Gaza Ceasefire Shattered: Hamas Political Leader Dead in Israeli Airstrike

Israel’s airstrikes and ground operations have reignited conflict, leaving Gaza divided and its population in a worsening humanitarian crisis.

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Last Update: 24 March 2025, 16:00

Ceasefire Collapse: The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed on March 18, following extensive Israeli airstrikes across Gaza. Palestinian officials report a death toll exceeding 50,000 due to the nearly 18-month conflict.

"Only the Beginning": Netanyahu says Israeli strikes across Gaza are “only the beginning” and that Israel would press ahead until it achieves all of its war aims — destroying Hamas and freeing all hostages held by the militant group.

Netzarim Corridor Reoccupation: Israeli forces reoccupied this strategic area on March 19, splitting Gaza into two zones and severely restricting movement for Palestinians.

Key Hamas Leader Killed: An Israeli airstrike on March 22 killed Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel in southern Gaza, further escalating tensions.

Total Blockade & Humanitarian Crisis: Since March 2, Israel has imposed a full blockade on goods entering Gaza, halting humanitarian aid and commercial supplies critical for survival. Over two million Palestinians face extreme hardship, with shortages of food, water, and medical supplies exacerbated by ongoing violence.

Situation Report

Following two months of relative peace, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed on March 18 following extensive Israeli airstrikes across Gaza. These attacks resulted in over 900 deaths and hundreds of injuries, marking one of the deadliest escalations since October 2023.

Palestinian officials report a death toll exceeding 50,000 due to the nearly 18-month conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to free half of the remaining hostages as a precondition for extending the ceasefire.

Netanyahu noted that the attack was “only the beginning” and that Israel would press ahead until it achieves all of its war aims — destroying Hamas and freeing all hostages held by the militant group.

On March 19, Israeli forces reoccupied the Netzarim Corridor—a strategic area that had previously divided Gaza into northern and southern zones—once again restricting movement for Palestinians and deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Israeli air strike kills top Hamas Official

An Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza killed a Hamas political leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, on Sunday Match 23rd, the militant group said.

Bardaweel was a member of the Hamas decision-making body, the political office, and had held posts such as heading the Hamas delegation for indirect truce talks with Israel in 2009 and led the group's media office in 2005.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said the main aim of the war is to destroy Hamas as a military and governing entity.

Humanitarian Crisis Escalating

This escalation follows a two-week total blockade imposed by Israel starting March 2. The blockade has halted all humanitarian aid and commercial supplies from entering Gaza, leaving over two million residents in dire need of food, clean water, and medical assistance.

The United Nations’ humanitarian coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory condemned this action as a violation of international law and stressed that lifesaving aid must resume immediately to prevent further deterioration.

The humanitarian situation is catastrophic with displacement being widespread tens of thousands have fled their homes following evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces targeting areas like North Gaza and Khan Younis. Economic losses are mounting as infrastructure crumbles under sustained bombardment.