The Israeli army stated a senior Hamas commander was killed in an airstrike in Gaza on Saturday.
In line with the Israel Protection Forces (IDF), Khan Yunis brigade commander Rafael Salama was killed within the assault.
The Israeli army stated in a press release that Salama was one of many “planners” of the October 7 assault and a detailed affiliate of Mohammed Deif, the highest commander of Hamas’s army wing.
The Israel Protection Forces stated Salama’s demise “severely hinders Hamas’ army capabilities”.
Israel stated the assault focused senior Hamas leaders, however Hamas stated the declare was “false” and meant to “justify” the assault.
The well being ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza stated on Saturday that an Israeli assault on the Khan Younis camp for displaced individuals killed no less than 90 Palestinians and injured 289 others.
It was unclear whether or not Deif was killed. The Israel Protection Forces stated he was additionally focused within the assault.
Deif has been considered one of Israel’s most needed fugitives for many years, with Israeli authorities accusing him of killing quite a few civilians and troopers.
In a joint assertion reporting on Salama’s “annihilation”, the IDF and the Israel Safety Company (ISA) stated Salama joined Hamas within the early Nineteen Nineties and was appointed to the submit of Khan underneath the command of Mohammad Sinwar. Commander of the Eunice Brigade.
Residents stated they witnessed no less than 5 “massive warplanes finishing up bombardments within the heart of the Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis.”
A lot of the injured have been taken to Al-Nasser Hospital.
Nevertheless, the power is “now not operational” as a result of medical doctors are “overwhelmed by the excessive variety of casualties,” in response to officers and medical workers.
Dr Mohamed Abdullaya, who was at a hospital coping with the aftermath of the assault, advised BBC World Service’s NewsHour that many of the injured had suffered a number of shrapnel wounds.
It was like being in “hell”, he stated, including that lots of the casualties have been civilians, particularly ladies and youngsters.
Reuters quoted a Hamas official as saying the assault was a “severe escalation” that confirmed Israel was not involved in reaching a ceasefire.
The BBC understands ceasefire talks between Qatar and Egypt ended on Friday with out success.