Israeli airstrike kills senior Hamas leader in southern Gaza
What's the story
A senior Hamas political bureau member, Salah al-Bardawil, was killed in an Israeli airstrike early Sunday morning in southern Gaza. The strike also took the life of his wife, who was praying with him at their tent shelter in Khan Younis. The Palestinian group has accused Israel of deliberately assassinating Bardawil and his wife during the attack.
Increased strikes
Israeli military intensifies attacks across Gaza
Israel has ramped up its military campaign across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 634 Palestinians since shattering a ceasefire deal on Tuesday. The Israeli military has warned evacuation for Tal as-Sultan in Rafah after predawn raids on Sunday killed at least 23. Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum reported "fierce and extensive air attacks" on central Gaza, amidst a critical situation with rising violence.
Death toll
Israeli forces have killed nearly 50,000 people
Since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, after deadly Hamas-led attacks on Israel, Israeli troops have killed almost 50,000 people. The renewed military offensive was announced by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu aiming to force Hamas to release remaining captives. However, Hamas accused Israel of sacrificing captives and breaking the ceasefire agreement by refusing peace negotiations and withdrawal from Gaza.
Ongoing conflict
Israel's military operations continue despite international calls for ceasefire
Despite global calls for a ceasefire, Israel has pledged to ramp up its operations till Hamas frees the hostages it holds and gives up the territory. The war has displaced about 90% of Gaza's population and caused widespread destruction across the region. Hundreds of thousands returned during a brief ceasefire but found their homes destroyed or bombed out.