Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians, including a senior Hamas political leader, women, and children. The Israeli military instructed people to evacuate from part of the city of Rafah on the border with Egypt, specifically the Tel Sultan area. The military announced plans to operate in this area, signaling a potential renewal of ground operations. Residents were ordered to evacuate to the Mawasi area, with the warning that remaining in Tel al-Sultan was dangerous.
Hamas confirmed that Salah Bardawil, a member of its political bureau, was killed in a strike in Mawasi along with his wife. Bardawil was a prominent Hamas figure who had spoken to the media frequently over the years. Hospitals in southern Gaza reported receiving the bodies of 17 people killed in the strikes, with victims including women and children. The European Hospital received bodies of a family of seven killed in a strike in Khan Younis, while the Kuwaiti Hospital reported receiving the bodies of a woman and child killed in another strike.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended when Israel launched a series of airstrikes, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian deaths. The ceasefire, which began in January, aimed to pause the conflict following Hamas’ initial attack on Israel in 2023. Negotiations were set to begin in February for the release of remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a lasting ceasefire, but discussions never commenced. Israel withdrew from the ceasefire deal after Hamas rejected proposals to release more hostages before negotiating a truce.
Hamas carried out an attack in October 2023, killing roughly 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages. Most captives have been released in ceasefire agreements, but Israeli forces rescued eight hostages alive and recovered dozens of bodies. Israel’s offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of nearly 50,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run government’s Gaza Health Ministry. In addition, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are allies of Hamas, launched a missile at Israel, which was intercepted with no reported casualties or damage.
The violent exchange of airstrikes and missile launches reflects the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with civilians bearing the brunt of the casualties. The refusal of both parties to adhere to ceasefire agreements and negotiate peace demonstrates the deep-rooted tension and animosity between them. The international community must intervene to prevent further loss of life and promote dialogue for a lasting resolution to the conflict in Gaza. The situation remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation and humanitarian crisis.
