A senior Hamas political leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, was killed in an Israeli air strike in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, a Hamas official told the BBC early Sunday. The attack also claimed the life of his wife, locals reported.

Bardaweel, a high-ranking member of Hamas’ political office, was inside a tent praying with his wife when the missile struck, Hamas stated. His death marks another significant loss for the group amid escalating tensions in the region.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the strike. However, it resumed large-scale military operations in Gaza on Tuesday, citing Hamas’ refusal to extend a ceasefire that had been in place since January 19. The truce, which lasted nearly two months, was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

Hamas rejected Israel’s claims, accusing the country of violating the ceasefire agreement first. The renewed offensive has resulted in heavy casualties, with an official from Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reporting that at least 32 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours across various areas of the Strip.

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Bardaweel was a prominent figure within Hamas and previously served as the group’s spokesperson. He frequently appeared on local media, representing Hamas’ political stance. His death brings the reported number of Hamas officials killed since Tuesday to around ten.

The ongoing conflict stems from an unprecedented Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas’ infrastructure in Gaza.

Since the start of the offensive, more than 49,500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli Army as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry. The extensive bombing and ground operations have led to widespread destruction, leaving large parts of Gaza in ruins and its residents in desperate humanitarian conditions.

Reported by BBC