Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip have resulted in the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians overnight into Sunday, including a prominent Hamas political leader along with several women and children.
As this unfolds, the Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for parts of the city of Rafah, which borders Egypt.
The military announced that operations would soon commence in the Tel Sultan area of Rafah, following a significant offensive launched in May.
Evacuations have been directed on foot along a designated route to the Mawasi area. It remains unclear if this evacuation order indicates a renewal of ground operations by Israeli forces.
ISRAEL ORDERS IDF TO SEIZE MORE GAZA TERRITORY IF HAMAS FAILS TO RELEASE HOSTAGES
Military spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee stated, “Remaining in camps, tents, or houses in Tel al-Sultan or using any other routes could jeopardize your safety and that of your family members.”
Hamas confirmed that Salah Bardawil, a member of its political bureau, was killed in a strike in Mawasi, along with his wife. Bardawil, also a member of the Palestinian parliament, was a notable figure in Hamas’ political wing and had been a vocal presence in the media over the years.
Two hospitals in southern Gaza reported receiving the bodies of 17 individuals killed in the strikes, which included several women and children. Bardawil and his wife were not included in this count.
The European Hospital confirmed that five children and their parents were killed in a strike in Khan Younis. Another family, consisting of two girls and their parents, also perished in a separate attack. The Kuwaiti Hospital reported receiving the bodies of a woman and child killed in another strike.
The Palestinian Red Crescent emergency service has indicated that Israeli forces are obstructing its ambulances from responding to incidents in Rafah, with several medics reportedly injured.
Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas, which ended last week, had prompted a series of airstrikes, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian casualties.
The ceasefire began in January, halting a 15-month conflict ignited by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. During this ceasefire, 25 Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others were released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiations were expected to commence in early February regarding the next phase of the truce, which would urge Hamas to release the remaining 59 hostages — including 35 presumed deceased — in exchange for additional Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
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However, negotiations failed to materialize, and Israel withdrew from the ceasefire agreement after Hamas declined Israeli and U.S.-backed proposals for the release of additional hostages prior to discussions about a lasting truce.
Hamas was responsible for approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of 251 hostages during the October 7 attack. Most hostages have been released through ceasefire agreements or other deals, though Israeli forces managed to rescue eight alive and recover numerous bodies.
According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s offensive has claimed nearly 50,000 Palestinian lives, without distinguishing between combatants and civilians.
In related developments, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, allies of Hamas, launched another missile towards Israel, but the Israeli military reported successful interception of the missile, with no casualties or damage reported.
