An Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis killed Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel and his wife on Sunday, according to the group. The strike came as Israeli forces intensified operations across Gaza, ending a two-month period of relative calm.
Palestinian officials now report over 50,000 deaths and more than 113,000 injuries since the war began in October 2023. Witnesses described widespread airstrikes across northern, central, and southern Gaza, including Rafah and Khan Younis, where at least 30 people died on Sunday alone.
Israel Expands Ground Operation in Rafah
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) surrounded the Tel Al-Sultan area of western Rafah, urging civilians to evacuate. According to the army, troops are targeting “terror infrastructure” and attempting to secure control in the region.
Many residents fled north toward Khan Younis, some walking, others using carts to carry their children and belongings. Rafah resident Abu Khaled described the repeated evacuations as endless and exhausting: “We are fleeing under fire for maybe the 10th time.”
According to the Palestinian Civil Emergency Service, around 50,000 people remain trapped in Rafah, facing danger alongside rescue teams caught in the fighting.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Blockade and Aid Shortages
UN officials and aid organizations warned of rising famine risk in Gaza. Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNRWA, stated that every day without food pushes Gaza closer to a severe hunger crisis.
On March 2, Israel blocked goods from entering Gaza. Netanyahu’s adviser accused Hamas of stealing aid—an allegation Hamas denies. Meanwhile, Hamas claims Israel violated the January ceasefire by refusing to negotiate a withdrawal from Gaza.
Despite ongoing violence, Hamas said it is still willing to negotiate and is reviewing proposals from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly assault on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli sources. Israel says its goal remains the destruction of Hamas as a military and political entity.