Key Takeaways:

• Israeli air strike kills Hamas leader Salah al-Bardaweel in Khan Younis.
• Palestinian death toll since the conflict began has exceeded 50,000 according to health officials.
• Israel resumes military operations after ceasing a temporary truce.

An Israeli air strike in the southern Gaza Strip has killed senior Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel, along with his wife, according to reports from both Hamas officials and independent sources. This attack, which took place during a renewed Israeli military offensive, has contributed to a death toll that has surpassed 50,000 Palestinians since the outbreak of hostilities began in October 2023, following Hamas’s initial attack which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths.

The strikes resumed on Tuesday after Israel abandoned a ceasefire that had held for two months. With explosions echoing across various parts of Gaza, including Khan Younis and Rafah, the situation has rapidly escalated. The health ministry in Gaza reported that recent actions by the Israeli military resulted in the deaths of at least 30 Palestinians on Sunday alone, during operations targeting areas linked to Hamas. As reported, more than half of those casualties are believed to be women and children.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the objective of renewing military operations is to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities and to ensure the release of remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Hamas declared that the blood of Bardaweel and other martyrs “will remain fueling the battle for liberation.” The Palestinian group accused Israel of violating the terms of the January ceasefire by not engaging in negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting end to the violence.

In conjunction with the air strikes in Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz remarked on efforts to seize additional territory within Gaza, while expanding military operations to counteract perceived threats from militant groups. Reports indicate that the Israeli military has encircled significant areas within southern Gaza, aiming to disrupt what it describes as “terrorist infrastructure.” These military strategies have drawn widespread condemnation from international communities, including calls for immediate ceasefire from various countries.

Reports indicate that the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate with essential supplies blocked from entering Gaza. Aid organizations have expressed urgent concerns over the growing humanitarian crisis, and numerous families have been forced to evacuate their homes under attack.

As the situation evolves, stakeholders continue to monitor developments closely amid an ongoing conflict characterized by profound human suffering and escalating military engagements.

For further information, visit the original source.