Israeli forces carried out an airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, resulting in the death of a senior Hamas figure, amidst a resurgence of conflict that has seen a significant escalation in casualties.
Israel Targets Hamas Leader at Gaza Hospital, Following Renewed Conflict
Israel Targets Hamas Leader at Gaza Hospital, Following Renewed Conflict
Israeli Airstrike on Nasser Hospital Claims Hamas Official’s Life Amid Ongoing Violence in Gaza
In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, an Israeli air strike on Sunday evening targeted Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, killing Ismail Barhoum, who led Hamas' financial affairs, alongside another aide, as confirmed by Hamas officials to the BBC. Barhoum was receiving medical treatment at the facility after sustaining injuries from a separate airstrike four days earlier.
Israel's military claimed the action was part of an "extensive intelligence-gathering process," asserting that the strikes were directed at a key Hamas member operating within the hospital premises. They emphasized the use of "precise munitions" intended to avoid collateral damage. However, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that numerous individuals, including healthcare workers, were injured during the strike, which left the targeted hospital department heavily damaged and necessitated evacuation.
Video footage authenticated by the BBC depicted chaotic scenes where rescuers struggled to extinguish a fire ignited by the strike. The Israeli government has continually accused Hamas of concealing military assets within hospitals, a claim the group vehemently disputes.
In a separate incident that same day, another notable Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, was also killed during an airstrike in Khan Younis, as per official sources. The health ministry reported that over 30 people had already lost their lives in Khan Younis and Rafah earlier that morning, underscoring the high toll of ongoing military operations.
Israel relaunched its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, 2023, marking an end to a two-month ceasefire. Since then, hundreds of casualties have been reported. The Israeli government cited Hamas' rejection of a U.S.-backed proposal to extend the truce as justification for its actions, while Hamas accused Israel of deviating from a previously established agreement.
Tensions began escalating after Hamas’s surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and led to the abduction of 251 others. In retaliation, Israel initiated an offensive targeting Hamas strongholds in Gaza, resulting in casualties reported at over 50,000 by the Hamas-run health ministry, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
Israel's military claimed the action was part of an "extensive intelligence-gathering process," asserting that the strikes were directed at a key Hamas member operating within the hospital premises. They emphasized the use of "precise munitions" intended to avoid collateral damage. However, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that numerous individuals, including healthcare workers, were injured during the strike, which left the targeted hospital department heavily damaged and necessitated evacuation.
Video footage authenticated by the BBC depicted chaotic scenes where rescuers struggled to extinguish a fire ignited by the strike. The Israeli government has continually accused Hamas of concealing military assets within hospitals, a claim the group vehemently disputes.
In a separate incident that same day, another notable Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, was also killed during an airstrike in Khan Younis, as per official sources. The health ministry reported that over 30 people had already lost their lives in Khan Younis and Rafah earlier that morning, underscoring the high toll of ongoing military operations.
Israel relaunched its military campaign in Gaza on March 18, 2023, marking an end to a two-month ceasefire. Since then, hundreds of casualties have been reported. The Israeli government cited Hamas' rejection of a U.S.-backed proposal to extend the truce as justification for its actions, while Hamas accused Israel of deviating from a previously established agreement.
Tensions began escalating after Hamas’s surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, and led to the abduction of 251 others. In retaliation, Israel initiated an offensive targeting Hamas strongholds in Gaza, resulting in casualties reported at over 50,000 by the Hamas-run health ministry, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
