CAIRO - An Israeli air strike in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis killed Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel, Hamas and Palestinian media reported in the early hours of March 23.

Pro-Hamas media said the airstrike killed Bardaweel, who is a member of the group’s political office, and his wife.

Israel resumed significant strikes on Gaza on March 18, blaming Hamas, abandoning a ceasefire agreement that began on Jan 19 and ending almost two months of claim.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said the main aim of the war is to destroy Hamas as a military and governing entity. He has said the aim of the new campaign is to force the group to give up remaining hostages.

Hamas’ de facto government head Essam Addalees and internal security chief Mahmoud Abu Watfa were among those killed by Israeli strikes on March 18, in addition to several other officials.

Palestinian health officials said at least 400 people, more than half of them women and children, were killed on the same day. REUTERS

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