As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to escalate following a brief ceasefire, an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in Gaza has killed five people, including Hamas’s political leader Ismail Barhoum. The attack, which targeted the surgery department at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, was confirmed by the Gaza Health Ministry.
The Israeli military stated that the strike was based on extensive intelligence and used precision-guided munitions to minimize civilian casualties. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, referred to Barhoum as “a key terrorist” without mentioning his name directly. Reports suggest Barhoum was being treated at the hospital for injuries sustained in a previous Israeli attack.
Palestinians Flee as Conflict Intensifies
The renewed offensive has forced Palestinians in Gaza to flee their homes once again. Just last week, another Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, was killed in a separate Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis. Both Bardaweel and Barhoum were part of Hamas’s 19-member decision-making body, 11 of whom have been killed since the war began in 2023.
Israel Prepares for Further Action
On Sunday, the Israeli military announced preparations for potential operations in Gaza, sharing footage of tanks being deployed by its 36th Division. The announcement came as multiple explosions rocked northern, central, and southern Gaza, with Israeli warplanes targeting key locations.
Rising Death Toll Amid Continued Strikes
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that at least 45 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Rafah and Khan Younis on Sunday alone. The ministry also confirmed that the overall death toll in the 18-month-long war has surpassed 50,000. However, the Israeli military has challenged these figures, stating that every effort is made to minimize civilian casualties.
With tensions at an all-time high and no clear resolution in sight, the region braces for further escalation in the ongoing conflict.
