An Israeli airstrike killed Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel and his wife on Sunday, according to Hamas officials.
Both Bardaweel, a member of the group’s political office, and his wife perished in the airstrike, Reuters reported citing pro-Hamas media sources.
Following two months of comparative peace, Gaza’s residents faced renewed displacement as Israel discontinued the ceasefire, initiating fresh aerial and ground operations on Tuesday against Hamas, Gaza’s primary Palestinian militant organisation. Early Sunday witnessed explosions across northern, central and southern Gaza Strip, as Israeli aircraft targeted multiple locations, marking an intensification of Tuesday’s offensive, according to witnesses.
Hamas issued a statement condemning Israel for Bardaweel’s death, stating he and his wife were at prayer in their tent shelter in Khan Younis when an Israeli missile struck. “His blood, that of his wife and martyrs, will remain fueling the battle of liberation and independence. The criminal enemy will not break our determination and will,” said the group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently stated the war’s primary objective is Hamas’s elimination as both a military and governing body. He indicated the new offensive aims to secure the release of remaining hostages. Tuesday’s Israeli strikes resulted in the deaths of Hamas’s de facto government head Essam Addalees and internal security chief Mahmoud Abu Watfa, alongside other officials.
Palestinian health authorities reported Tuesday’s death toll exceeded 400, with women and children comprising over half the casualties. Medical personnel reported Israeli aircraft bombed a residence in southern Gaza’s Rafah, causing multiple injuries.
Hamas has alleged Israel violated January’s ceasefire terms by refusing negotiations for war conclusion and troop withdrawal from Gaza. However, Hamas expressed willingness to negotiate and was reviewing Witkoff’s compromise proposals.
The renewed military operations have prompted ceasefire appeals from Arab and European nations. Britain, France and Germany jointly urged Israel to reinstate humanitarian aid access. Israel has restricted goods entering Gaza, with Falk claiming Hamas misappropriates aid, an accusation Hamas contests.
The Gaza campaign began following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israeli communities near Gaza, causing approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostage captures, according to Israeli figures. Palestinian health authorities report the Israeli response has resulted in over 49,000 Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction, forcing hundreds of thousands into temporary shelters.