Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas military wing, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza. The Israeli military announced his death on July 13, 2024. Deif was a key figure in Hamas and was believed to be one of the masterminds behind the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. This attack led to a significant escalation in the Gaza war.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that their fighter jets targeted an area in Khan Yunis, Gaza, where Deif was reportedly located. The strike followed a detailed intelligence assessment. The IDF confirmed that Deif was killed in this operation.
Response by Hamas
Hamas has not officially confirmed Deif’s death. An official from the group, Ezzat Rashaq, stated that any announcements about the deaths of Hamas leaders would come from Hamas itself. Until such an announcement is made, media reports or claims by other parties should not be considered reliable.
Escalation of Violence
The announcement of Deif’s death came amid heightened tensions. The day before, Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was assassinated in Tehran. Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of being behind Haniyeh’s killing, though Israel has not confirmed or denied this involvement. Israel did, however, confirm the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut shortly after.
Hezbollah and Hamas are supported by Iran. These recent deaths have increased fears of further conflict in the Middle East. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have vowed retaliation against Israel. Israel has stated it does not seek a regional war but has warned it will respond strongly to any attacks.
Recent Losses for Hamas
The death of Deif adds to a series of high-profile losses for Hamas. Earlier this year, Saleh al-Arouri, Deif’s deputy, was killed in a drone strike in Beirut. In March, Israel reported killing Marwan Issa, another senior Hamas figure. The U.S. confirmed Issa’s death as part of an Israeli operation.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commented on Deif’s death, describing it as a significant step in Israel’s efforts to dismantle Hamas’ military wing, known as the Al-Qassam Brigades. Gallant stated that Hamas is “disintegrating” and warned that Hamas fighters face the choice of surrendering or being eliminated.
Deif’s Role and Impact in Hamas
Mohammed Deif was a prominent figure in Hamas, known for his expertise in developing tunnels and bomb-making techniques. He had been on Israel’s most wanted list for decades, accused of orchestrating numerous attacks against Israelis. The recent airstrike that killed him also resulted in the deaths of several Palestinians, according to medics in Gaza.
Yahaya Sinwar, another leader and one of the masterminds of the October 7 attack, remains active. He is believed to be operating from bunkers in Gaza and is involved in negotiations with Israel for a prisoner swap deal.
Current Situation in Gaza
As the conflict continues, hopes for a ceasefire or hostage deal have diminished. The Gaza war began with the October 7 attack by militants, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages taken back to Gaza. In response, the Israeli offensive has caused over 39,400 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israel reports that about a third of these casualties are fighters.
Recent Israeli bombardments have continued, targeting infrastructure and fighters. At least 13 people were reported killed in the latest strikes, with significant casualties reported in Al-Maghazi, Nusseirat, and Gaza City.
Release of Palestinian Detainees
Earlier on Thursday, Israel released 15 Palestinians who had been detained in recent months. The detainees arrived at a Gaza hospital, reporting abuse during their detention. Israel has denied these allegations and is investigating the claims of detainee mistreatment. The ongoing conflict in Gaza remains intense, with each new development adding to the complexity and scale of the crisis.