Gaza: Israel strikes Nasser Hospital, senior Hamas leader dies

The deceased Hamas leader was identified as the group's financial affairs head Ismail Barhoum.

He was receiving treatment at the hospital after being wounded in an air strike four days ago, a Hamas official told BBC.

IDF Confirms Death Of Hamas Leader

Confirming the death of the Hamas leader, IDF said: "A key Hamas terrorist who was operating from within the Nasser Hospital compound in Gaza was precisely struck."

"The strike was conducted following an extensive intelligence-gathering process and with precise munitions in order to mitigate harm to the surrounding environment as much as possible," the IDF said.

IDF said Hamas exploits civilian infrastructure while brutally endangering the Gazan population.

The Israeli force said Hamas is 'cynically' using an active hospital as a shelter for planning and executing 'murderous terrorist attacks' in a direct violation of international law.

Medical Personnel Injured

The Hamas-run health ministry told BBC that "many others", including medical personnel, were injured in the strike.

The hospital department hit was evacuated after a large portion was destroyed, the ministry said.

At least 30 people were killed in Khan Younis and Rafah as of Sunday morning, before the strike on the hospital in the evening, the health ministry said.

Senior Hamas Leader Salah al-Bardawil Dies

Another senior Hamas leader died during a pre-dawn strike conducted by Israeli forces in southern Gaza on Sunday, further escalating tension in the region.

Salah al-Bardawil, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, was killed on Sunday along with his wife while praying in their tent shelter in Khan Younis, according to the Palestinian group, which accused Israel of assassinating him, Al Jazeera reported.

“His blood, that of his wife and martyrs, will remain fueling the battle of liberation and independence. The criminal enemy will not break our determination and will,” the group said in a statement.

Israel Resumes Strikes

Ending the ceasefire that lasted for almost two months, Israel resumed attacking Gaza on Tuesday, further triggering tension in the area which has been witnessing war since Hamas attacked on October 7, 2023.

The October 7 attack on Israel left 1200 people dead.

The Hamas members kidnapped 251 people and took them as hostages.

Several hostages were released by Hamas during the temporary ceasefire reached between the two sides.