In a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, the Palestinian militant group Hamas announced that an Israeli airstrike on Thursday resulted in the death of its spokesman, Abdul Latif al-Qanou, in Gaza. The Israeli military characterized Qanou as a key figure in inciting violence against Israel, alleging that he utilized social media as a platform to spread “psychological terror” and propagandize for Hamas.
The Israeli army reported that the airstrike occurred overnight in northern Gaza, specifically targeting the Jabalia area where Qanou was present at the time. The military claimed that it would continue its operations aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities following the resumption of its offensive that began on March 18. Since that time, a fragile ceasefire that had allowed for weeks of relative calm was effectively shattered.
Hamas has reacted strongly to this latest loss, publicly mourning Qanou and condemning what it termed a “direct” attack. The group warned that the Israeli strikes would not deter their resolve, stating, “The occupation’s targeting of the movement’s leaders and spokespersons will not break our will.”
The ongoing conflict has seen a troubling escalation in casualties, with the health ministry in Gaza reporting that at least 855 people have been killed since the beginning of the renewed Israeli campaign. Al-Qanou’s death adds to a growing list of Hamas officials targeted by Israel; recent operations have also claimed the lives of notable figures, including Rashid Jahjouh, the head of Hamas’ internal security agency, as well as Essam al-Dalis, the head of Hamas’ government in Gaza, and Mahmud Abu Watfa from the interior ministry.
These developments signal a dramatic intensification of hostilities, raising concerns over the potential for further violence as Israel continues its offensive amid ongoing tensions in the region.
