The Israeli military carried out massive airstrikes in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, targeting a Hamas commander believed to be the mastermind behind the deadly October 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and triggered war in the Strip.
According to multiple reports, the IDF fired rockets at the fenced compound where Hamas’ military wing commander, Mohammed Deif, and Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigades commander, Rafa’a Salameh, were holed up.
The military is still waiting for information to confirm whether Dief and Salameh, leaders of the organisation’s notorious Qassam Brigades, were killed in the attack.
According to The Times of Israel, Saudi Arabian news channel Al-Hadath reported that Dief was seriously injured and Salameh died.
Dief is widely considered to be the number two leader in the Gaza Strip, behind Hamas’s supreme leader, Yahya Sinwar.
His death, long sought by Israeli forces, could derail ceasefire talks but would be seen as a major victory for Israel.
Witness said the attack took place inside an Israeli-designated safe zone stretching from northern Rafah to Khan Yunis. The IDF said the building targeted was in a civilian area but was not part of a camp for displaced Palestinians. It also quoted the IDF as saying there were no Israeli hostages at the site.
Unconfirmed reports from the Hamas-run Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip said at least 71 Palestinians were killed and 289 were wounded in the attack.
Long before the current war, Deif had been wanted by the Israeli military and was notorious for his ability to evade capture and assassination. In December, Israel put a $100,000 bounty on him. The Times of Israel reported.
The attack came as mediators from the United States, Egypt and Qatar continue to work to close the gap between Israel and Hamas over a proposed agreement on a three-phase ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a plan for releasing hostages.
This is an ongoing story and will continue.…
With post wire
