Key Hamas Leader Among Dead as Israel Targets Hospital in Khan Yunis
An Israeli airstrike on Sunday hit the surgery department at Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, claiming the lives of five people—including a senior Hamas official—Palestinian medics and the terror group said. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the strike was aimed at “a key terrorist” in Hamas, while the military said the operation was based on “extensive intelligence” and used precise munitions to minimize civilian harm.
Hamas announced that Ismail Barhoum, a member of its 19-seat political bureau, was killed in the strike. The Israeli military did not explicitly name the target but described him as a “key terrorist” in Hamas. Hamas’ Al-Aqsa TV reported that Barhoum had been seeking medical care for previous wounds when he was killed. Israel has long accused Hamas of using civilian spaces such as hospitals and schools to hide personnel and equipment, allegations the group denies.
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In a separate airstrike on Saturday, Hamas confirmed the death of Salah al-Bardaweel, another high-ranking figure in the group’s decision-making leadership. Hamas says at least 11 of its 19 political officials have been killed since the war began in late 2023.
The strikes mark a return to intense fighting in Gaza after an effective two-month ceasefire collapsed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has justified the renewed offensive as part of Israel’s effort to force Hamas to release the hostages still believed to be held in Gaza.
Israel’s military reported that nearly 45 Palestinians were killed in attacks on Khan Yunis and Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday alone, though Palestinian health officials claim casualties are much higher. The Israeli army contests the health authorities’ figures, noting that Hamas controls the territory’s reporting.
