An Israeli airstrike targeted Hamas' elusive military chief, Mohammed Deif, in the southern Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of at least 71 people, according to local health officials. The strike, carried out within the densely populated coastal enclave, underscores the heightened tensions and ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas.
The Israeli government confirmed that the operation aimed at eliminating Deif, a figure long sought by Israeli intelligence and believed to be the mastermind behind the devastating October 7 attack that killed approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel. Despite the massive strike, it remains unclear whether Deif was among the casualties. Rafa Salama, another high-ranking Hamas commander, was also targeted in the operation.
Mohammed Deif has been on Israel's most-wanted list for decades, having survived multiple assassination attempts. Known for his role in orchestrating numerous attacks against Israel, Deif's potential death would be a significant blow to Hamas, potentially derailing ongoing ceasefire negotiations. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the airstrike also injured 289 individuals, with many victims being transported to Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
Hamas swiftly rejected Israel's claims regarding Deif's targeting. Jihad Taha, a Hamas spokesperson, dismissed the Israeli statements as "baseless" and accused Israel of attempting to justify its actions through misinformation. The group emphasized that such claims are part of a broader effort to mask the atrocities committed against Palestinians.
The attack took place in Muwasi, a designated safe zone where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge. Witnesses described a harrowing scene of destruction, with charred tents, burnt-out vehicles, and household items strewn across the area. Survivors and emergency responders used makeshift carriers, including carpets, to transport the dead and injured.
"This was designated as a safe zone filled with people from the north," said one displaced Palestinian man. "Children were killed, and we had to gather their body parts."
The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a fenced area controlled by Hamas in Khan Younis but did not provide specific details about the location. The timing of the attack coincides with efforts by U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators to broker a ceasefire and negotiate a phased plan for hostage release in Gaza.
Deif, who has been in hiding for over two decades, is believed to be paralyzed from previous assassination attempts. The only widely known image of him is a 30-year-old ID photo released by Israeli authorities, and even in Gaza, few people would recognize him.
The proposed U.S.-backed ceasefire plan involves an initial cessation of hostilities, a limited hostage release, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas in Gaza. Subsequent phases would include a full hostage release in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory.
Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, which saw militants infiltrate southern Israel, kill civilians, and abduct approximately 250 people, Israel has launched a relentless military campaign in Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli operations have resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 88,000 injuries. The conflict has displaced more than 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents, forcing them into overcrowded and unsanitary tent camps.
The Israeli Defense Ministry, led by Yoav Gallant, held emergency consultations following the strike. The ministry emphasized that the operation targeted Hamas leadership but did not confirm Deif's fate. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and highlighted the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
As international mediators continue to push for a ceasefire, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The humanitarian crisis in the enclave, characterized by severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, underscores the devastating impact of the conflict on the Palestinian population.
