Israeli Airstrike on Gaza Hospital Claims Lives of Senior Hamas Leader and Medical Staff

The Israeli military confirmed an airstrike on a Gaza hospital that killed a prominent Hamas leader and his aide, igniting further conflict amidst an already volatile situation. The incident comes after intensified military campaigns and accusations exchanged between Israel and Hamas over the use of civilian facilities for military purposes.

An Israeli airstrike on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, resulted in the death of Ismail Barhoum, a senior Hamas leader, and his aide on Sunday evening, as confirmed by a Hamas official speaking to the BBC. Barhoum, who was the head of the group's financial operations, was allegedly receiving treatment at the hospital after sustaining injuries from a prior strike four days earlier.

Israel's military stated that the operation targeted a significant Hamas figure believed to be operating within the hospital premises, following what they described as a "thorough intelligence operation." They emphasized the use of "precise munitions" aimed at minimizing civilian casualties. However, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that numerous others, including medical personnel, sustained injuries in the attack, with portions of the hospital being heavily damaged. Footage verified by the BBC depicted attempts by bystanders to extinguish a fire that erupted following the airstrike.

Accusations between the two parties have become increasingly heated. Israel has long alleged that Hamas utilizes hospitals for military operations, a claim that Hamas denies vehemently. Meanwhile, another blow was dealt to Hamas on the same day, as Salah al-Bardaweel, another leader of the group, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis.

Prior to the airstrike on the hospital, at least 30 individuals had already lost their lives in Khan Younis and Rafah, according to health ministry officials. Following the resumption of military operations on 18 March, which ended a two-month ceasefire period, there has been an increase in casualties, with reports indicating hundreds of deaths since that date.

The escalation in hostilities can be traced back to the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, primarily among civilians, and over 200 hostages taken. Israel's response has been a sustained military operation in Gaza with the purported aim of dismantling Hamas, which has led to more than 50,000 reported deaths in the region according to information from the Hamas-controlled health ministry. The ongoing conflict poses significant questions about the future of truce negotiations, with both sides blaming each other for the breakdown of previous agreements.