An Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip has killed Ismail Barhoum, a senior member of Hamas’s political bureau. The incident occurred on March 23, when Israel struck Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. According to Israeli authorities, Barhoum was a “key Hamas terrorist” and was involved in important activities within the group.
Hamas confirmed his death and said Barhoum was receiving treatment for wounds sustained in a previous attack. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz welcomed Barhoum's killing, calling him Hamas' new prime minister in Gaza, following the assassination of Issam Daali, his predecessor.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the attack took place after a long period of intelligence gathering and precision-guided munitions were used to limit civilian casualties. However, Palestinian sources reported that five people were killed and many others were injured. Footage from the scene showed bodies of the dead and injured being pulled from the rubble.
This attack is the fourth targeting of senior members of Hamas's political bureau since the resumption of Israeli airstrikes following the collapse of a ceasefire. A day earlier, Salah al-Bardawil, another senior Hamas official, was killed in a similar airstrike near Khan Yunis.
Barhoum, who has been involved in Hamas' financial activities, has been under sanctions by the European Union since last year.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned of the possibility of annexing parts of the Gaza Strip and ordered the Israel Defense Forces to seize more areas and evacuate Palestinian civilians. The escalation of the conflict has sparked international concern about further consequences in the region.