Israeli Military Confirms Death of Hamas Leader Mohammed Deif

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday that Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in a targeted airstrike in Gaza back in July. The military operation took place on July 13, when Israeli forces struck a compound situated on the outskirts of Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. For several weeks, the IDF was assessing the situation to determine whether Deif had indeed perished in the attack.

In an official statement released on Thursday, the Israeli military declared, “Following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike.” This confirmation comes in stark contrast to earlier claims made by Hamas, which had denied that Deif was killed. As of now, the militant organization has not issued any comments regarding the IDF’s announcement.

During the same airstrike, reports from Gaza health officials indicated that over 90 individuals lost their lives, among them many displaced civilians who were sheltering in nearby tents. This tragic loss of life highlights the broader humanitarian crisis in the region.

Interestingly, this confirmation of Deif’s death arrived just a day after an apparent Israeli airstrike targeted Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. While Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in that attack, Iran has vowed to seek retaliation, escalating tensions in an already volatile situation.

Alongside Deif and Haniyeh, Israel has also set its sights on Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ top leader in Gaza. Despite being a primary target, Sinwar has remained elusive and continues to evade capture.

Israel accuses both Sinwar and Deif of orchestrating the devastating attack on October 7, during which Hamas-led militants infiltrated southern Israeli communities, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of around 250 others, a brutal act that has drawn international condemnation.

Mohammed Deif was not just a military figure; he was one of the founding members of Hamas’ military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, established in the 1990s. Over the decades, he led this unit in numerous operations, including suicide bombings targeting Israeli civilians on public transport and in cafes. Under his leadership, the al-Qassam Brigades amassed a significant stockpile of rockets capable of reaching deep into Israeli territory, often resulting in casualties and destruction.

The al-Qassam Brigades are designated as a terrorist organization by several nations, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, Egypt, Australia, and New Zealand. This designation underscores the ongoing global debate surrounding the nature of the conflict and the actions of both sides involved.