The Ministry of Health of the Gaza Strip reported that two people were killed as a result of an Israeli attack on the largest hospital in the south of the enclave. For its part, Israel reported the liquidation of a senior Hamas official, Ismail Barhoum, UNN writes with reference to Al-Jazeera and the Times of Israel.
The Israeli attack damaged the premises of the surgical building of the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. It is noted that among those killed on Sunday was a 16-year-old boy who had undergone surgery two days earlier. Ismail Barhoum, a member of the Hamas political bureau who was receiving medical treatment at the hospital, was also killed, the organization said.
The IDF military said it used high-precision weapons to kill Barhoum at the Nasser Hospital. In Israel, he is called a "key Hamas terrorist." Hamas confirmed his death and said he was being treated for injuries sustained in a previous strike.
Israeli Defense Minister Katz confirmed the expansion of the offensive in a statement in which he welcomed the liquidation of Barhoum. He called the Hamas official, a member of the political bureau of the terrorist group who was previously involved in financing its activities, the "new Hamas prime minister in Gaza, who replaced Issam Da'alis, the previous prime minister who was eliminated a few days ago."
Also, Israeli officials have repeatedly blamed Hamas militants for the numerous civilian casualties, claiming that they deliberately operate in densely populated areas.
It is noted that the Nasser Hospital has been damaged by Israeli raids and air strikes throughout the conflict.
Supplement
After a two-month ceasefire with Hamas, Israeli forces are preparing for a new phase of military operations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli political and military leaders are actively discussing plans for a new ground campaign, which may include a military occupation of Gaza for several months or even longer.
On March 21, the Israeli Defense Minister stated that the army will continue to seize Gaza. This will continue until Hamas releases all the hostages.
