CAIRO. Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’ military wing and a key figure behind the October 7 attack on southern Israel, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza last month, according to the Israeli military. This announcement comes on the heels of the assassination of Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran.
“The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) announces that on July 13th, 2024, IDF fighter jets struck in the area of Khan Yunis, and following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike,” the Israeli military stated.
Hamas has yet to confirm Deif’s death. A Hamas official, Ezzat Rashaq, remarked, “Unless either of them (the Hamas political and military leadership) announces it, no news published in the media or by any other parties can be confirmed.”
The timing of the announcement is notable as Iranians gather in Tehran for Haniyeh’s funeral procession. Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of orchestrating Haniyeh’s assassination, which Israel has neither confirmed nor denied. However, Israel has acknowledged killing a senior commander of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement in Beirut on Tuesday.
These recent events have heightened concerns about further escalations in the Middle East. Israel has stated that while it does not seek regional conflict, it will respond forcefully to any attacks.
Wave of deaths
On Thursday, Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri asserted that Haniyeh’s death would not diminish the group’s resolve. “Despite the crime, Hamas remains strong and the confrontation in Gaza is continuing,” he said.
Deif’s death is the latest in a series of significant losses for Hamas. Earlier this year, Saleh al-Arouri, Haniyeh’s deputy, was killed in a drone strike in Beirut, and in March, Israel reported the death of Marwan Issa, Deif’s deputy. The U.S. confirmed Issa’s death in an Israeli operation, though Hamas has not confirmed it.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant described Deif’s death as a crucial step in Israel’s objective to dismantle Hamas’ military arm, known as the Al-Qassam Brigades. “Hamas is disintegrating,” Gallant stated on X. “Hamas terrorists may either surrender or they will be eliminated.”
Deif, a prominent figure in Hamas, had been on Israel’s most wanted list for decades, held accountable for numerous Israeli casualties in suicide bombings. According to Gaza medics, the airstrike that killed him also resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties.
Yahaya Sinwar, another mastermind behind the October 7 attack, is believed to be still leading military operations from Gaza’s bunkers while engaging in indirect negotiations with Israel for a prisoner swap.
As the conflict enters its 300th day, prospects for a hostage deal and ceasefire appear increasingly bleak. The October 7 assault by Hamas militants resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and around 250 hostages taken to Gaza. The Gaza health ministry reports over 39,400 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, in the ensuing Israeli offensive.
Israel has lost 329 soldiers in Gaza, claiming that about a third of the Palestinian casualties were fighters. On Thursday, the Israeli military targeted numerous Hamas sites in Gaza, resulting in at least 13 more deaths. Strikes on the Al-Maghazi district and Nusseirat reportedly killed several individuals, with ongoing tank fire reported east of Al-Maghazi.
Additionally, Israeli authorities have released 15 Palestinians detained in Gaza, who arrived at a local hospital alleging abuse during their detention. Israel denies the allegations and is investigating the claims.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
