A senior Hamas official announced on Thursday that the group's military chief, Mohammed Deif, has died from wounds sustained in an Israeli airstrike earlier this week. The announcement came shortly after the Israeli military stated it had targeted Deif in an operation in the Gaza Strip.
Details of the strike
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed they conducted a precision airstrike on a building in Gaza City where Deif was believed to be hiding. The strike occurred on Monday and resulted in several casualties. The IDF had been tracking Deif for years, holding him responsible for numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Hamas confirmation
Hamas official Ismail Radwan confirmed to local media that Deif had succumbed to his injuries. Radwan praised Deif as a "great leader" and vowed that his death would not deter the group from its resistance against Israel. The announcement was met with mourning in Gaza, where Deif was revered by supporters.
Background on Mohammed Deif
Mohammed Deif, born in 1965, was the commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing. He had been on Israel's most-wanted list for decades and survived multiple assassination attempts. Deif was known for his role in planning suicide bombings and rocket attacks during the Second Intifada and subsequent conflicts. He was also instrumental in the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006.
Reactions
The Israeli government hailed the strike as a significant achievement in its campaign against Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "We have eliminated a mass murderer who was behind countless attacks on our people." Meanwhile, Palestinian factions condemned the assassination and called for retaliation. The United Nations expressed concern over the escalation in violence and urged both sides to exercise restraint.
This development is likely to heighten tensions in the region, with fears of further retaliation from Hamas. The international community has called for de-escalation to prevent a full-scale conflict.
