An Israeli air strike in Khan Younis, Gaza, has killed senior Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel, a Hamas official confirmed on Sunday. The strike reportedly also claimed the life of his wife. Israeli authorities have not issued a statement regarding the attack.
Bardaweel, a key member of Hamas’ political bureau, was well known for his appearances in local media. Hamas stated that he and his wife were praying in a tent when the missile struck. His death marks one of the most high-profile assassinations since Israel resumed large-scale military operations in Gaza on Tuesday.
The renewed Israeli offensive follows the collapse of a ceasefire agreement that had been in place since January 19. Israel blamed Hamas for violating the truce, while Hamas accused Israel of breaching the terms of the agreement, which had been brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.
In the past 24 hours alone, at least 32 Palestinians have been killed across Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Since Israel’s military campaign began in response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, more than 49,500 Palestinians have died, with widespread destruction to infrastructure in the enclave.
Israel launched its military operation after Hamas militants carried out an unprecedented cross-border assault, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, Israeli forces have been targeting Hamas leaders, with around ten senior figures reportedly killed in recent days.
As violence escalates, concerns grow over the possibility of prolonged conflict, with ongoing diplomatic efforts struggling to restore a ceasefire.
