Hamas Military Chief Mohammed Deif Killed in Israeli Airstrike
The head of Hamas’s military wing, Mohammed Deif, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza last month, the Israeli military announced on Thursday. This announcement came a day after a political leader from the militant group was assassinated in Tehran.
“The IDF [Israel Defence Forces] announces that on July 13th, 2024, IDF fighter jets struck in the area of Khan Younis, and following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike,” the military said.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant hailed Deif’s death as a significant milestone in Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities, known as the Al-Qassam Brigades.
“Hamas is disintegrating,” Gallant said on X. “Hamas terrorists may either surrender or they will be eliminated.”
Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied Deif’s death. However, one official, Ezzat Rashaq, stated that any announcements regarding the deaths of its leaders would come from the group itself, adding that “no news published in the media or by any other parties can be confirmed.”
Regional Tensions Escalate
The news of Deif’s death coincided with a massive funeral procession in Tehran for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated earlier in the week. Iran and Hamas have accused Israel of Haniyeh’s killing, though Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attended Haniyeh’s funeral, stating that it is Iran’s “duty” to respond to the assassination. The killing of Haniyeh has increased tensions in the region, with threats of retaliation against Israel.
Additionally, Israel confirmed the killing of a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut earlier this week. Hezbollah’s chief, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, vowed a significant response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr, further heightening concerns of regional conflict.
Impact on the Gaza Conflict
Mohammed Deif was one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack on southern Israel, which led to the current Gaza war. Known for his elusive nature and survival of multiple assassination attempts, Deif had been a central figure in Hamas’s military operations for over three decades. His death is seen as a major blow to Hamas’s leadership.
The conflict, now in its 300th day, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, over 39,480 Palestinians have been killed and 91,128 injured since the onset of hostilities. The Israeli government reported 1,200 deaths, including several Canadians, and noted that around 250 people were taken hostage during the initial attacks. While over 100 hostages have been repatriated, approximately 110 remain unaccounted for.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence. Calls for de-escalation and renewed peace talks have been made, but achieving a lasting resolution remains challenging. Both Israel and Hamas have dismissed accusations from the International Criminal Court (ICC) regarding alleged war crimes, each objecting to the perceived equivalence of their actions.
A Key Figure in Hamas
Born Mohammed Masri in 1965 in the Khan Younis refugee camp, Deif joined Hamas during the first intifada in 1987. Known for his strategic mind and resilience, Deif survived seven assassination attempts by Israel, earning a legendary status among some Palestinians. His wife and two children were killed in an Israeli airstrike in 2014.
Deif’s death marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, potentially altering the dynamics of the Gaza war and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As the region braces for possible retaliation and further violence, the path to peace appears increasingly fraught with challenges.
