Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza overnight killed at least 19 Palestinians, including a high-ranking Hamas political leader, officials reported on Sunday. The attacks come amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hamas, with hostilities resuming after a brief ceasefire earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen launched another missile targeting Israel. The Israeli military confirmed that the projectile was intercepted without causing casualties or damage.
Casualties and Impact on Civilians
Hospitals in southern Gaza reported receiving 17 bodies from the airstrikes, including several women and children. The European Hospital stated that five children and their parents were killed in Khan Younis, while another family of four perished in a separate attack. The Kuwaiti Hospital reported the deaths of a woman and a child from another strike.
Hamas announced that Salah Bardawil, a member of its political bureau and the Palestinian parliament, was killed in a strike near Khan Younis along with his wife. Bardawil was a recognized figure in Hamas’ political wing and had frequently spoken to media outlets. However, his death was not included in the tolls reported by hospitals.
Resumption of Conflict After Ceasefire Breakdown
Israel ended its ceasefire with Hamas last week, launching a new wave of airstrikes that have resulted in hundreds of Palestinian casualties. The Houthis in Yemen renewed their attacks on Israel in what they describe as an act of solidarity with Palestinians. This comes despite recent U.S. airstrikes targeting the Yemeni rebel group.
The January ceasefire had temporarily halted 15 months of fighting, which began after Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. That assault killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and led to the capture of 251 hostages. Many of those hostages were later freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The agreement also allowed humanitarian aid to enter Gaza and permitted displaced residents to return to their devastated homes.
Failed Negotiations and Escalating Violence
Under the ceasefire terms, Hamas was expected to release the remaining 59 hostages—35 of whom are believed to be dead—in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners, an extended ceasefire, and an Israeli military withdrawal. However, negotiations scheduled for early February never began. Israel withdrew from the agreement after Hamas rejected Israeli and U.S.-backed proposals that required additional hostage releases before discussions on a lasting truce.
Since October 7, Israeli forces have rescued eight hostages alive and recovered dozens of bodies. The ongoing military operations in Gaza have led to extensive destruction, displacing nearly 90% of the population at the peak of the conflict.
Death Toll and Humanitarian Crisis
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that at least 49,747 Palestinians have been killed since the start of Israel’s offensive. The ministry states that women and children make up over half of the casualties, though it does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its records. Israel claims to have killed around 20,000 Hamas militants but has not provided verification for these numbers.
As the conflict rages on, Israel has intensified its blockade on Gaza, restricting food, fuel, and medical supplies in an effort to pressure Hamas into negotiating a ceasefire on different terms. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with international organizations calling for urgent intervention.
