Hamas Political Bureau Member Killed in Israeli Air Strike
In a significant escalation of violence, an Israeli air strike on Sunday claimed the life of Ismail Barhoum, a member of Hamas’s political bureau. Reports from within the Islamist group indicate Barhoum was receiving treatment for injuries sustained in a previous air strike targeting his home in Khan Yunis. The attack, described as an assassination by Hamas sources, occurred while he was in surgery at the Nasser Hospital.
Eyewitness accounts and images released by AFP depict the hospital, a four-story structure, largely intact despite significant damage in one area. The Israeli military confirmed that Barhoum was the intended target, stating it had executed the strike using “precise munitions” following thorough intelligence assessments. This incident marks a deepening of hostilities that had recently been momentarily calmed by a ceasefire.
Increased Hostilities Following Ceasefire
Barhoum’s death is significant as he is the fourth member of Hamas’s political bureau to be killed since Israel resumed its air strikes last Tuesday, breaking the recent stalemate in hostilities. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a statement acknowledging the targeting of Barhoum, underscoring the government’s assertion that the operation was necessary for national security.
The latest air strike on the Nasser Medical Complex has drawn substantial criticism. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported damage and casualties, noting that the surgical department was specifically hit. Many patients and medical staff were on-site during the attack. The ministry confirmed one confirmed death and several injuries resulted from the bombing, which exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
Targeting Senior Hamas Officials
Earlier on the same day, news broke concerning another Israeli air strike that resulted in the death of Salah al-Bardawil, also a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau. Reports indicate that he was killed alongside his wife near Khan Yunis, which the Israeli military confirmed, reiterating that the strike was part of an ongoing campaign against key Hamas figures.
The Israeli Defense Forces highlighted Bardawil’s role in shaping Hamas’s military strategy, suggesting that his death would significantly weaken the group’s operational capabilities. This pattern of targeting high-ranking officials aligns with Israel’s broader strategy to disrupt Hamas’s leadership structure and military planning.
