A senior Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis, Gaza, early Sunday, according to Hamas officials. His wife was also among the casualties, locals reported.

The Israeli military has not provided an official response regarding the strike. 

However, Israel resumed intense airstrikes on Gaza last Tuesday, blaming Hamas for breaking a ceasefire that had been in effect since January 19. 

Hamas, on the other hand, denied Israel’s claims and accused it of violating the truce brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

Over the past 24 hours, at least 32 Palestinians have been killed in different parts of Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Hamas stated that Bardaweel was engaged in prayer with his wife when an Israeli missile hit their tent, as reported by Reuters. 

A well-known figure, he previously served as a Hamas spokesperson and frequently appeared in local media.

Since the renewal of Israeli military operations in Gaza, Bardaweel is one of approximately ten senior Hamas officials who have been killed.

Israel's offensive follows the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. 

In response, Israel launched extensive military operations aimed at dismantling Hamas. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 49,500 Palestinians have been killed, with widespread destruction across Gaza, affecting homes and critical infrastructure.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1218 HRS, MAR 23, 2025
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