Gaza: In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Barhoum was killed in an Israeli airstrike on March 23, 2025, just two days after assuming office in Gaza. The strike targeted the surgical building of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, where Barhoum was reportedly undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in a previous attack.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the precision strike, describing Barhoum as a “key Hamas terrorist” operating within the hospital compound. The attack also claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy and left several others wounded, sparking widespread condemnation from the international community. Hamas accused Israel of violating international laws by targeting medical facilities and endangering civilians.
Barhoum, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, had recently replaced Issam Da’alis as the group’s leader in Gaza. His death marks the fourth assassination of a Hamas political bureau member since Israel resumed airstrikes last week, shattering a fragile ceasefire. The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in over 50,000 casualties, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.
The IDF defended its actions, stating that Hamas exploits civilian infrastructure to shield its operations. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the importance of targeting Hamas leadership to dismantle the group’s capabilities. Meanwhile, Egypt has proposed a new ceasefire agreement, offering humanitarian aid to Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages and a pause in fighting.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community has called for restraint and adherence to humanitarian principles. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with hospitals overwhelmed and critical supplies running low.
