More than 50,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza as Israel escalates its military offensive, ending a fragile ceasefire and launching a full-scale air and ground campaign against Hamas. The renewed violence has sparked mass displacement and renewed fears of famine in the besieged enclave.
On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike killed senior Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel and his wife in Khan Younis, according to the militant group. Bardaweel was a key figure in Hamas’ political office and previously led negotiations and media efforts.
The Israeli military has now surrounded the Tel Al-Sultan area of Rafah, issuing evacuation warnings and stating its objective is to eliminate terrorist infrastructure. Thousands of civilians have fled under fire, with many once again forced to abandon makeshift shelters beside their destroyed homes.
Residents and humanitarian agencies have expressed alarm over worsening conditions. The United Nations warned that restricted aid access is pushing Gaza toward an acute hunger crisis, with tens of thousands still trapped and in danger.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel’s mission is to destroy Hamas and secure the release of hostages taken during the group’s October 2023 attack, which killed 1,200 people in Israel. Meanwhile, Hamas has accused Israel of violating ceasefire terms and stated it remains open to negotiations.