An Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis has killed Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel, Hamas officials said, as residents reported an escalation in the Israeli military campaign that began on Tuesday, Reuters reports.

Palestinian media said the airstrike killed Bardaweel, who is a member of the group’s political office, and also killed his wife. Israeli officials had no immediate comment.

Taher Al-Nono, the media advisor of the Hamas leadership, mourned Bardaweel’s death in a post on his Facebook page.

In a statement, Hamas accused Israel of assassinating Bardaweel, whom it said was praying along with his wife, when an Israeli missile struck their tent shelter in Khan Younis.

“His blood, that of his wife and martyrs, will remain fueling the battle of liberation and independence. The criminal enemy will not break our determination and will,” said the group.