Sun Mar 23 08:10:40 UTC 2025: ## Hamas Leader Killed in Gaza as Israeli Offensive Intensifies

**GAZA CITY** – A senior Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardawil, and his wife were killed in a predawn Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Sunday, sparking outrage and vows of continued resistance from the Palestinian group. The attack, which also resulted in the deaths of at least 23 others in Sunday’s predawn raids, comes amidst a renewed Israeli offensive in Gaza that has killed at least 634 Palestinians since Tuesday, when Israel unilaterally broke a ceasefire.

Hamas condemned the killing as an assassination, declaring that al-Bardawil’s death would only fuel the “battle of liberation and independence.” The group’s statement made no mention of negotiations to end the conflict. Israeli officials have yet to comment publicly on the incident.

The escalating violence follows Israel’s resumption of its offensive last week, including a ground invasion, after repeatedly violating the January 19 ceasefire. The renewed attacks have focused on heavily populated areas, including hospitals, schools, and mosques, according to Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum reporting from Deir el-Balah. Abu Azzoum described the situation as “critical” and noted a significant escalation since the ceasefire’s collapse.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas attacks on Israel, has claimed the lives of nearly 50,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the article. In Israel, at least 1,139 people were killed in the initial Hamas attacks.

Israel claims the renewed offensive aims to secure the release of remaining Hamas captives held since October. Hamas, however, accuses Israel of sacrificing these captives and blames Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for breaking the ceasefire by refusing negotiations. While Hamas had previously considered a US proposal to restore a ceasefire in April, the latest escalation casts doubt on the prospects for any immediate peace talks. The situation is further complicated by cross-border rocket fire from Lebanon on Saturday, leading to further Israeli strikes against Hezbollah targets and raising concerns of a broader regional conflict.

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