A major Israeli airstrike in Gaza Saturday targeted the Hamas commander considered the mastermind of the horrific Oct. 7 attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead and triggered the war.
Israel Defense Forces shot rockets at a fenced-off compound where Muhammad Deif, the commander of Hamas’s military wing, and Rafa’a Salameh, the commander of Hamas’s Khan Younis Brigade, were holed up, according to multiple reports.
The military was still waiting for intelligence to confirm whether Dief, leader of the group’s notorious Qassam Brigades, and Salameh were killed in the strike. The Saudi news channel al-Hadath reported that Dief was seriously injured and Salameh was killed, according to the Times of Israel, but their fates were not yet officially determined.
Dief is widely viewed as Hamas’ second-in-command in Gaza behind the supreme terror boss Yahya Sinwar. Long sought by the Israeli military, his death could derail cease-fire talks, but would also be seen as a major victory for Israel.
Witnesses said the strike landed inside an Israeli-designated safe zone that stretches from northern Rafah to Khan Younis. The IDF said the building the strike targeted is in a civilian area but was not part of a camp for displaced Palestinians. The IDF, which released before-and-after images of the site that showed a fenced-off area, said no Israeli hostages were held at the location.
“The area that was struck is an open and forested area, with several buildings and sheds,” the military said. The images show before and after the strike.
In a statement, Hamas denied that Deif had been targeted in the strike.
Unverified reports from the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said at least 71 Palestinians were killed and 289 injured in the strike. Hamas figures do not distinguish between civilian and terrorist casualties and the group is known to hide high value targets in densely populated areas.
“Israel targeted October 7 mastermind Muhammed Deif, head of the Hamas military wing,” said Eylon Levy, a former government spokesman on X Saturday. “If he was hiding among civilians in a makeshift camp, that shows how determined Hamas is to use civilians as human shields and sacrifices.”
Videos circulating on X showed Israelis breaking into celebration when news of the strike was announced.
Long before the current war, Deif was wanted by the Israeli military and became infamous for his ability to elude capture or assassination. In December, Israel placed a $100,000 bounty on his head, the Times of Israel reported.
The strike comes as U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediators continue to work to narrow the distance between Israel and Hamas over a proposed deal for a three-phase cease-fire and hostage release plan in Gaza.
With Post Wires
David Turner is a globe-trotting journalist who brings a global perspective to our readers. With a commitment to shedding light on international events, he explores complex geopolitical issues, offering a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
