The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the elimination of Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, a prominent target for Israel. On July 14, a senior Hamas official reported that Deif survived an Israeli airstrike in southern Gaza, which resulted in over 90 deaths and 300 injuries. The official claimed that Deif was unharmed and continuing to lead Hamas operations.
The IDF’s airstrike targeted the al-Mawasi camp, a humanitarian zone, with the intent of killing Deif, who has long been at the top of Israel’s wanted list.
Read more: Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Reportedly Killed In An Israeli Attack In Tehran
In response, Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, Herzi Halevi, stated that it is premature to assess the impact of the strike, accusing Hamas of concealing the results.
Deif, a founding member and leader of Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, has been involved in planning attacks, including suicide bombings that killed many Israelis.
Israel has also identified Deif and Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar as masterminds behind the October 7 attack, which resulted in over 1,100 deaths in southern Israel.
On October 7, Hamas released a rare voice recording of Deif announcing the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation, which he described as retaliation for Israeli actions against Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque. In his address, Deif condemned Israeli policies and urged his fighters to act decisively against Israeli aggression.
