An Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis killed senior Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel on Sunday, according to Hamas officials. The attack, which also claimed the life of his wife, came amid what residents are calling a sharp intensification of Israel’s renewed military campaign.
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In a statement, Hamas accused Israel of assassinating Bardaweel, who was reportedly praying alongside his wife in a makeshift tent when it was hit by a missile. Hamas declared, “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.”
The Israeli government did not immediately comment on the incident. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly pledged to destroy Hamas’ military and governing infrastructure, insisting the group must release remaining hostages or face continued pressure. The renewed hostilities follow Israel’s decision on Tuesday to abandon a fragile two-month ceasefire, restarting intensive air and ground operations against Hamas, Gaza’s dominant Palestinian group.