Israeli Airstrike at Gaza Hospital Kills Hamas Leader, Dozens Dead in Widening Conflict:

An Israeli airstrike hit the surgery department of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Sunday, killing five people, including senior Hamas political leader Ismail Barhoum. Both Hamas and Palestinian medical sources confirmed the death. The Israeli military said the strike was based on intelligence and aimed at a key Hamas figure, using precise munitions to limit civilian casualties.

According to Hamas, Barhoum was being treated for injuries from a previous strike. Israel accuses Hamas of embedding its fighters in civilian areas like hospitals and schools, a claim Hamas denies.

Escalation in Southern Gaza: Israeli Strikes Continue

Another Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, was killed in a separate Israeli strike in Khan Younis on Saturday. Both Bardaweel and Barhoum were members of the group's 19-member political office, of which 11 members have reportedly been killed since the war began in late 2023.

The Gaza Health Ministry said at least 45 Palestinians were killed on Sunday in strikes across Rafah and Khan Younis. Explosions were reported throughout Gaza as Israeli air and ground operations intensified.

Israeli Forces Prepare for Wider Operations

The Israeli military indicated preparations for expanded ground action, releasing footage of tanks being deployed. The 36th Division, previously active in Lebanon, may join operations in Gaza. The military reiterated its efforts to minimize civilian casualties and questioned Gaza’s casualty figures, which are released by the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

The ongoing war has now resulted in more than 50,000 deaths, mostly civilians, according to Palestinian officials. Israel claims around 20,000 of those killed were fighters.

Netanyahu Says Goal Is to Destroy Hamas, Free Hostages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that the aim of the conflict is to eliminate Hamas as both a military and governing entity, as well as to pressure the group into releasing remaining hostages.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Netanyahu to confirm American support and discussed the ongoing military campaign and U.S. actions against Iranian-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.

Humanitarian Crisis and Ceasefire Talks

Hamas accused Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement signed in January but said it remains open to new negotiations. Proposals from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff are under review.

Meanwhile, Tel Al-Sultan in western Rafah was surrounded by Israeli troops. The military said operations were targeting militant infrastructure and urged civilians to evacuate through designated routes. Many families fled on foot or using carts, carrying their belongings under fire.

The Palestinian Civil Emergency Service said 50,000 residents are trapped in Rafah, with rescue teams unable to safely operate. International organizations warned of a worsening hunger crisis, with aid blocked since March 2. The UN’s Palestinian relief chief, Philippe Lazzarini, condemned the blockade and warned that continued restrictions amount to collective punishment.