Israeli airstrike reportedly kills Hamas political leader, wife in southern Gaza

An Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis killed Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel, Hamas and Palestinian media reported in the early hours of Sunday.

Pro-Hamas media says the airstrike killed Bardaweel, who is a member of the group’s political office, and also killed his wife.

Israel resumed significant strikes on Gaza on Tuesday, blaming Hamas, while abandoning a ceasefire agreement that began on January 19.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said the main aim of the war is to destroy Hamas as a military and governing entity. He has said the aim of the new campaign is to force the group to give up remaining hostages.

Hamas’ de facto government head Essam Addalees and internal security chief Mahmoud Abu Watfa were among those killed by Israeli strikes on Tuesday, in addition to several other officials.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry said at least 400 people, more than half of them women and children, were killed on Tuesday. That figure has not been verified and doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants.