Israel Claims Killing Hamas Commander Who Planned October 7 Attack

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they targeted and eliminated Mohammed Deif, the leader of the military wing of Hamas, during an airstrike in southern Gaza.

Deif, who allegedly orchestrated the October 7 attack against Israel, was killed in an operation on July 13. The airstrikes focused on the Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis, where thousands of displaced Palestinians live in temporary shelters. The bombing resulted in the deaths of at least 90 people and injured around 300 others. The IDF reported that no hostages were present or harmed in the compound during the strike.

The IDF stated that the operation was a culmination of advanced intelligence and planning, involving the Israel Security Agency (ISA) and the Israeli Air Force. The targeted strike also eliminated Rafa'a Salameh, Commander of the Khan Younis Brigade, and several other militants.

Mohammed Deif, also known as Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri, was a key figure in Hamas and had evaded multiple assassination attempts by Israel over the years. His leadership in the Qassam Brigades and his role in planning the October 7 attack, which killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 250 hostages, made him a primary target for Israeli forces.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to the deaths of an estimated 186,000 Palestinians, with the majority reported to be women and children. The conflict stems from longstanding tensions, including the blockade of Gaza and other recent incidents.