Fighter jets of Israel targeted northern Gaza, killing Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua as part of Israel’s escalating military campaign. The attack follows the collapse of Israel’s fragile ceasefire and a series of strikes targeting senior Hamas leaders. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians have died in recent bombardments, further inflaming tensions. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the deadlock.
Surging Violence and Escalating Hamas Leadership Casualties
Additional Israeli strikes hit a home in the as-Saftawi area of Gaza City, killing six members of the same family. Since March 18, Israel has intensified its bombardment and ground operations, ending a two-month ceasefire. The renewed offensive has killed hundreds of civilians as Israel seeks to pressure Hamas into releasing captives.
Israeli airstrikes have also eliminated senior Hamas leaders. On Sunday, an attack on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed five people, including Ismail Barhoum, head of finances and institutions in Hamas’s political office. The same day, Israeli jets bombed tents housing displaced Palestinians in Khan Younis, killing Hamas leader Salah al-Bardaweel and his wife.
Hamas’s political office, a 20-member decision-making body, has lost 11 members since the conflict escalated in late 2023, according to Reuters. The group continues to hold 59 captives from the October 7 attack on southern Israel, which killed at least 1,139 people. In response, Israel’s military has killed at least 50,183 Palestinians and wounded 113,828 others.
Worsening Humanitarian Crisis and Ceasefire Stalemate
Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported at least 830 Palestinian deaths since Israel resumed attacks 10 days ago, with women and children making up more than half of the casualties. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that 142,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced since March 18, further worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Israeli restrictions on aid continue to exacerbate shortages.
Ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked despite mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Talks aimed at securing an extension to the initial truce, which expired on March 1, have stalled. Hamas accused Israel of deliberately sabotaging discussions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Hamas rejected proposals for an extended ceasefire.
On Wednesday, Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces would continue military operations and warned of a potential territorial takeover in Gaza if Hamas refused to release the remaining captives. With violence intensifying, prospects for a peaceful resolution remain bleak
