Deadly Israeli Strikes in Southern Gaza: 19 Casualties, Including Prominent Hamas Leader

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 19 Palestinians, including a senior Hamas leader, as tension escalates in the region. The military has ordered evacuations in Rafah, a city near the Egyptian border.

The strikes targeted the already devastated Tel Sultan area, marking a significant escalation since Israel’s major offensive last May, during which they secured a vital corridor along the border and the Rafah crossing.

Residents in Rafah have been directed to leave on foot toward the Mawasi area, which is home to overcrowded tent camps lacking basic services. The military warned that staying in the camps or taking other routes puts lives at significant risk.

Hamas confirmed the death of Salah Bardawil, a political bureau member and prominent figure, along with his wife in the strikes. Bardawil had been a vocal spokesperson for the group over the years.

In a related incident, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched a missile at Israel, raising alarms. Fortunately, the missile was intercepted, and no casualties were reported.

In southern Gaza, hospitals are grappling with the aftermath of the airstrikes, reporting at least 17 fatalities, including several women and children. This toll does not account for Bardawil and his wife. The European Hospital confirmed they received several bodies, including five children alongside their parents in Khan Younis.

Emergency services, notably the Palestinian Red Crescent, reported significant challenges in providing aid, with Israeli forces preventing ambulances from reaching affected areas in Rafah. Medics have also faced injuries while responding to the crisis.

The recent airstrikes came shortly after Israel ended a ceasefire with Hamas. This ceasefire had paused 15 months of intense conflict ignited by Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. During that time, negotiations had aimed for further hostage releases and a lasting truce, but talks never materialized.

The escalation of violence has resulted in devastating statistics. As of now, Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 49,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, with women and children comprising a significant portion. In contrast, Israeli reports state around 20,000 militants have been killed, though they have not provided concrete evidence.

As the situation continues to unfold, the humanitarian impact grows grimmer. The ongoing blockade has cut off vital supplies—like food, medicine, and fuel—to Gaza’s two million residents, intensifying the crisis further.

For ongoing updates, you can follow AP’s coverage here.

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