An Hamas official told the BBC earlier Sunday that an Israeli air strike in the southern city of Gaza’s southern city Khan Younis had killed Salah al-Bardaweel, Hamas’ top political leader.
Locals say the air strikes killed Bardaweel, a member of the group’s political office, and his wife.
Israeli officials did not immediately comment.
Israeli troops resumed a major strike against Gaza on Tuesday, blaming Hamas for abandoning a ceasefire agreement that began on January 19, ending nearly two months of tranquility.
Hamas dismissed Israel’s allegations, which in turn accused Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement signed and ratified by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.
Hamas – An official from the Ministry of Operations Health said 32 Palestinians were killed in various parts of the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours.
Hamas said in a statement that Badavile had been praying with his wife when the Israeli missile hit the tent.
Previously a spokesperson for Hamas – he was a recognizable person – Badavile often appears in local media.
He is one of about ten Hamas officials reportedly since Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza on Tuesday.
The Israeli military launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to the unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, with about 1,200 people killed and 251 taken hostages.
Hamas-Operating Ministry of Health said that since then, more than 49,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and mass damage to homes and infrastructure on the streets.
