An Israeli airstrike has killed Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua, a Hamas spokesperson, in northern Gaza as Israel intensifies its military operations in the enclave, according to Palestinian media.
Al-Qanoua was reportedly killed in a pre-dawn airstrike on Jabalia, where Israeli fighter jets targeted his temporary shelter, Al-Aqsa television and the Shehab News Agency confirmed.
Several others, including children, were injured in the attack, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary.
The strike was one of multiple Israeli operations across Gaza in recent hours, including an attack in the as-Saftawi neighborhood of Gaza City that killed six members of the same family.
The renewed Israeli assault follows the abrupt collapse of a fragile two-month ceasefire on March 18.
Israel has since intensified airstrikes and ground operations, killing hundreds of Palestinian civilians in an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining hostages.
Among the latest casualties are senior Hamas officials. On Sunday, an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed Ismail Barhoum, a senior figure in Hamas’s political office.
Another strike in Khan Younis that same day killed Salah al-Bardaweel, a prominent Hamas political leader, along with his wife.
Since the conflict erupted in October 2023, Hamas has held 59 hostages from the original 250 taken during the October 7 attack on southern Israel, which left 1,139 Israelis dead.
In response, Israel's military campaign has killed at least 50,183 Palestinians and injured over 113,828, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.
The humanitarian crisis has worsened, with 142,000 Palestinians forcibly displaced since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, according to the United Nations (OCHA). Israel's blockade on aid has further strained conditions in Gaza.
Ceasefire negotiations involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt remain deadlocked.
Hamas has accused Israel of undermining talks, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists military action will continue unless Hamas agrees to release all remaining captives.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu warned that Israel could seize Gazan territory if Hamas refuses to comply, escalating fears of prolonged conflict.
Source: Al Jazeera
BDST: 1239 HRS, MAR 27, 2025
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