GAZA: Israeli military drone strike on tents of homeless Palestinians in Gaza, Hamas spokesman also killed.
Israeli airstrikes continue to escalate in northern Gaza as they claim the life of Hamas spokesperson Abdel-Latif al-Qanoua. Reports indicate that al-Qanoua was killed early Thursday morning when Israeli fighter jets targeted his tent shelter in Jabalia, according to sources including Al-Aqsa television and the Shehab News Agency.
The attack not only claimed al-Qanoua’s life but also resulted in injuries to several others, including children, as reported by Al Jazeera correspondent Hind Khoudary.
The Israeli military’s assault on the Gaza Strip has intensified since March 18, when a two-month ceasefire was abruptly terminated, leading to renewed bombings and ground operations.
An airstrike on a home in the as-Saftawi neighborhood of Gaza City reportedly killed six members of one family, illustrating the civilian toll in the ongoing conflict.
The recent surge in violence has resulted in significant casualties among Hamas officials, highlighting the strain within the organization’s leadership.
For instance, on Sunday, Israeli airstrikes on Khan Younis hit Nasser Hospital, killing at least five people including Ismail Barhoum, a senior Hamas official. Within the same day, a separate attack on tents sheltering displaced Palestinians resulted in the deaths of Salah al-Bardaweel, another prominent Hamas leader, and his wife.
It’s estimated that Hamas still holds 59 of approximately 250 captives taken during the group’s initial assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The conflict has had devastating consequences: the Israeli military claims that over 50,183 Palestinians have been killed since the start of its current operations, with the Palestinian Ministry of Health reporting that around 830 of those deaths occurred in the last 10 days alone, predominantly affecting women and children.
The high casualty figures reflect the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas shows little sign of abatement.
