Hamas Leader Ismail Barhoum Killed in Israeli Airstrike
The group condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous crime" and accusing Israel of violating international norms by targeting a healthcare facility.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a significant development, Hamas has confirmed the killing of Ismail Barhoum, a senior political bureau member, following an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Barhoum, who was reportedly receiving medical treatment at the time of the attack, was killed in what Hamas has described as a targeted Israeli assault.
According to an official statement from Hamas, Barhoum "was martyred in a cowardly Zionist act" when Israeli forces struck the area. The group condemned the attack, calling it a "heinous crime" and accusing Israel of violating international norms by targeting a healthcare facility. Hamas further criticized Israel's military strategy, accusing the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) of disregarding international humanitarian laws and norms with its actions in Gaza.
However, Israeli sources have defended the airstrike, stating that the IDF’s operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas's military infrastructure, which often operates from civilian areas, including hospitals. The IDF has emphasized that its strikes are targeted and intended to eliminate high-ranking Hamas officials who pose a threat to Israeli security. The military maintains that Hamas uses civilian structures as cover for its activities, complicating efforts to avoid collateral damage.
Israel’s military operations in Gaza have intensified in recent weeks in response to ongoing rocket fire from Gaza into Israeli territory. The Israeli government has stated that its actions are part of its efforts to safeguard its citizens and prevent further attacks from militant groups operating within Gaza.
Hamas has vowed to continue its resistance efforts, stating that such actions will not deter Palestinians from their pursuit of "liberation and return."
The Israeli government has urged the international community to recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization and to support Israel's right to defend itself against hostile actions from Gaza. The escalating violence has sparked widespread concern, with calls for a halt to hostilities and renewed efforts for a peaceful resolution.