IDF Eliminates Senior Hamas Officials in Southern Gaza

In a series of targeted airstrikes, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have killed multiple senior Hamas leaders, including Salah al-Bardawil and Ismail Barhoum, as part of ongoing operations in Gaza aimed at dismantling Hamas's political and military structure. These strikes come after a two-month ceasefire, during which Israel gathered intelligence on Hamas leaders, and follow the recent killing of Hamas's de facto prime minister, Essam al-Da’alis. Defense Minister Israel Katz has threatened to annex parts of Gaza if Hamas does not release hostages, stating that further military actions may lead to expanded Israeli territory. Additionally, the IDF has initiated ground operations to establish a buffer zone in Gaza, while Hamas has responded by inciting further violence against Israeli citizens. The IDF maintains that these operations are crucial for national security and to mitigate threats posed to Israeli communities. The escalating conflict highlights the ongoing tensions and the complexity of the situation in Gaza.