Israel Expands Operations in Gaza, Key Hamas Terrorist Eliminated

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israel escalated its military campaign in Gaza on Sunday, targeting Rafah and ordering civilians to evacuate Tel Sultan. This marks the first reoccupation of a major area in Gaza since fighting resumed on March 18, as well as announcing a key Hamas terrorist was eliminated on a targeted airstrike.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it killed Ismail Barhoum, a senior Hamas political bureau member and head of its finances, in a strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Hamas confirmed his death, stating he was receiving treatment at the hospital after being injured in a previous strike.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised Barhoum’s killing, calling him “the new Hamas prime minister in Gaza, who replaced Issam Da’alis, the previous prime minister who was eliminated a few days ago.”

The IDF said the strike followed “an extensive intelligence-gathering process” and used a “precision munition” to limit civilian harm. Footage showed the hospital largely intact, with fire visible in one stairwell section.

After Barhoum’s killing, Katz said the offensive was “expanding,” and vowed Israel would keep striking until all 59 hostages held in Gaza are freed.

The IDF said Sunday that thousands of troops are set to join the renewed ground offensive in Gaza, significantly expanding what had so far been a limited operation against Hamas.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir told Israel Channel 12 that the IDF is pushing to expand the offensive, telling political officials, “Hamas is stalling for time, it’s a strategy, not a tactic.” He added, “The IDF’s operation hurts [Hamas] and causes some movement, but it doesn’t lead it to release the hostages. Therefore, there is no choice, the pressure must be increased.”

The IDF began reoccupying a second major area within one of Gaza’s four main sectors. Previously, it had only entered one area per sector—north, central, Khan Younis, and Rafah—applying pressure on Hamas.

On Saturday night, Israel’s security cabinet approved Katz’s proposal to create a Defense Ministry office to facilitate the “voluntary” departure of Palestinians from Gaza.

Since early March, 1,000 Gazans have left the enclave, with another 600 expected to depart this week.

Currently, only Gazans needing medical care, those with dual citizenship, and residents with destination visas are permitted to leave the Strip.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.

Latest News from Worthy News

Republicans Defend, Democrats Vilify GOP Voter ID Bill

Thursday, March 19, 2026

As a marathon debate over the SAVE America Act continues in the U.S. Senate, Republicans and Democrats are sparring over whether the voter ID bill would strengthen election security or discourage potential voters.

Netanyahu: Iran’s Nuclear and Missile Capabilities ‘Neutralized’ as U.S.-Israel Campaign Intensifies

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Thursday that Iran has lost its ability to enrich uranium and manufacture ballistic missiles following nearly three weeks of coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional conflict.

Israel Strikes Iranian Navy in Caspian Sea, Expands “Operation Roaring Lion”

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Israel dramatically expanded its military campaign against Iran, striking Iranian Navy targets in the Caspian Sea for the first time since the launch of “Operation Roaring Lion,” the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed Thursday.

FBI Revealed Former Counterterrorism Chief Joe Kent Was Under Active Investigation Prior to Resignation

Thursday, March 19, 2026

The FBI has been investigating former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent for several months over allegations that he improperly shared classified information, according to multiple reports.

U.S. Launches Largest Strike Yet on Iran as Conflict Intensifies

Thursday, March 19, 2026

The United States carried out its most extensive wave of strikes against Iran to date on Thursday, as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signaled a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Arabia Signals Possible Military Response After Iranian Strike on Oil Facility

Thursday, March 19, 2026

Saudi Arabia warned Thursday that it may take military action following an Iranian drone strike on a key oil installation, escalating tensions across the Middle East and raising concerns over regional stability and global energy supplies.

Federal Judge Blocks Arkansas Ten Commandments Law, State Vows Appeal

Thursday, March 19, 2026

A federal judge has struck down an Arkansas law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, igniting a renewed national debate over faith, history, and the First Amendment.