Senior Hamas spokesman killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza
The number of senior Hamas political officials eliminated by Israeli operations has risen to eleven out of the group’s twenty-member political bureau.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Hamas announced on Thursday, that Abdul-Latif Qanu, a senior spokesperson for Hamas, was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting northern Gaza.
Hamas-affiliated media reported early Thursday morning that Qanu was killed when an Israeli airstrike hit Jabalia, in northern Gaza. Al-Aqsa TV, linked to Hamas, confirmed his death, stating that he was targeted while inside his residence, which was reduced to rubble by the strike.
Escalating Strikes on Hamas Leadership
Israel has intensified its campaign against Hamas leaders over the past week. Among those recently killed were senior figures such as Ismail Barhoum and Salah Bardawil. With Qanu’s death, the number of senior Hamas political officials eliminated by Israeli operations has risen to eleven out of the group’s twenty-member political bureau.
Israeli officials have stated that the continued airstrikes and ground operations are part of an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. The Israeli military resumed its offensive after a two-month ceasefire collapsed, citing the group’s refusal to comply with prisoner release negotiations.
Civilian Toll and Growing Dissent
Meanwhile, discontent against Hamas is growing within Gaza. In an unusual development, hundreds of residents staged protests across several areas of the enclave, calling for an end to the war. Demonstrators chanted slogans such as “The people want Hamas out” and “Stop the bloodshed.”
These protests came hours after the Israeli army issued new evacuation orders for civilians in Beit Lahia, a northern Gaza town. Protesters blamed Hamas for these orders, arguing that the group’s decision to launch rockets from residential areas has put civilians at greater risk.
