Khan Yunis, Gaza Strip – July 13, 2024 – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a significant aerial strike on Saturday targeting one of Hamas’s top military leaders, Mohammad Deif, in the al-Muwasi humanitarian zone near Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.
This operation marks one of the most high-profile attacks in the ongoing conflict, aiming to eliminate a key figure in the militant group.
Deif, who has been a central figure in Hamas’s military operations for years, is currently reported to be one of the most senior members of the organization.
A senior Israeli source has indicated a high likelihood of his death, although formal confirmation remains pending, as reported by Israeli state broadcaster KAN.
The IDF’s Southern Command, in conjunction with the Israeli air force and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), executed the strike on an area described as an open field surrounded by trees, multiple buildings, and low sheds.
This location also contained tunnels, although they were not in immediate proximity to the strike zone.
In addition to targeting Deif, the strike reportedly aimed at two other senior Hamas terrorists. Israeli media sources have identified one of the targets as Rafa Salama, commander of Hamas’s Khan Yunis Brigade.
Following the strike, Al Hadath, a Saudi news outlet, reported that Salama had been killed, a claim subsequently confirmed by Hamas officials.
According to reports, the strike resulted in a high number of casualties. Initial estimates suggest that between dozens and 90 Palestinians were killed.
The IDF has stated that it believes the majority of those killed were Hamas operatives, but acknowledges that civilians may have been among the casualties.
The IDF’s operation was carried out with meticulous planning and intelligence, opening a window of opportunity mere hours before the strike.
Army Radio correspondent Doron Kadosh reported that the IDF had prepared extensively for the operation, and that it was conducted with precision. The strike occurred while Deif was reportedly above ground, rather than inside a tunnel, as noted by security sources.
The IDF has emphasized that there were no hostages at the scene of the strike, according to initial assessments.
The attack on Deif, alongside other recent military actions, represents a strategic move in the broader context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Reactions and Consequences
In the wake of the strike, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, stating that while confirmation of Deif’s death is still pending, the IDF has accurate information confirming that no hostages were present at the strike location.
Netanyahu highlighted the ongoing directive to eliminate senior Hamas officials and assured that the prime minister’s office is closely monitoring developments.
Hamas, through senior official Abu Zuhri, has dismissed the reports of Deif’s death as “nonsense,” condemning the attack as a “grave escalation” and a form of genocide, further fueled by international silence and perceived American support.
The aftermath of the strike has seen a reaction from the international community, with Jordan and Egypt condemning the attack.
Jordan criticized the assault on what it described as a safe area for displaced persons, while Egypt called for an end to attacks on civilian lives, demanding that Israel cease its operations.
Mohammad Deif: A Profile
Mohammad Deif, born Mohammad Masri in 1965 in the Khan Yunis Refugee Camp, is a prominent and elusive figure within Hamas.
Deif joined the group during the First Intifada in 1987 and has since been involved in numerous high-profile operations and attacks against Israeli targets. His survival through multiple assassination attempts earned him the moniker “the man with nine lives.”
Deif’s role in Hamas includes developing the group’s network of terror tunnels and expertise in bomb-making.
His strategic acumen was crucial in orchestrating the military tactics behind the October 7 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the abduction of more than 250 people.
Despite surviving several targeted operations, including a severe injury that left him with significant physical impairments, Deif has remained a pivotal figure in Hamas.
His alleged death would represent a considerable blow to the group’s morale and operational capabilities.
Ongoing Conflict and International Response
Following the IDF’s strike on Deif, the broader regional conflict has escalated. Hezbollah, the Lebanese-based militant group, retaliated with a barrage of rockets aimed at northern Israel, resulting in injuries to several IDF soldiers.
The exchanges of fire underscore the volatile nature of the situation and the potential for further regional destabilization.
As the international community observes the developments, calls for de-escalation and renewed dialogue continue to grow.
The conflict’s humanitarian impact remains profound, with ongoing concerns over civilian casualties and the broader implications for peace efforts in the region.
The situation remains fluid, and the full ramifications of the IDF’s strike on Mohammad Deif will unfold in the coming days and weeks.
As the conflict persists, the international community will continue to monitor and respond to the evolving dynamics in Gaza and beyond.