In a shocking revelation, the Israeli military announced on Thursday that Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif had been killed in a strike carried out last month in Gaza’s southern area of Khan Younis. The confirmation comes a day after the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which was announced by Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Hamas.
According to a military statement, Israeli fighter jets struck the area of Khan Younis on July 13th, 2024, and following an intelligence assessment, it was confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike. The Israeli military claimed that Deif was responsible for initiating, planning, and executing the October 7th massacre, which resulted in the death of 1,197 people, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
The announcement has sent shockwaves throughout the Gaza Strip, with many Palestinians mourning the loss of a prominent leader. Deif, who was considered one of the most wanted men in Israel, had been in hiding for years, and his death is seen as a significant blow to Hamas’s military capabilities.
The strike, which was carried out on July 13th, was widely reported at the time, with health authorities in Gaza stating that it killed more than 90 people. However, Hamas denied that Deif was among the casualties, leading many to speculate about his fate.
The Israeli military’s confirmation of Deif’s death comes as a surprise to many, given the initial denials from Hamas. However, the military’s statement provided no further details on how they confirmed Deif’s identity or the circumstances surrounding his death.
The suspected 2,000-pound bomb (900 kilograms) that was dropped on the house where Deif was said to have taken refuge with one of his deputies left a giant crater, causing widespread destruction in the area. The aftermath of the strike was chaotic, with rescue teams struggling to reach the site due to the intensity of the bombing.
Deif’s death is a significant loss for Hamas, which has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with Israel. The military chief was known for his strategic thinking and his ability to evade Israeli forces, making him a thorn in the side of the Israeli military.
The killing of Deif comes as tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate. The Israeli military has been carrying out airstrikes on Gaza in response to rocket fire from the territory, and the conflict shows no signs of abating.
In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum vowed to continue the resistance against Israel, saying, “The blood of our martyrs will not be in vain. We will continue to fight for our rights and our freedom, and we will not be deterred by the Israeli occupation’s crimes.”
The international community has been criticized for its silence on the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza, with many calling for greater accountability and an end to the occupation. The killing of Deif is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict and the need for a peaceful resolution.
As the people of Gaza mourn the loss of Mohammed Deif, the world watches with bated breath, waiting to see how Hamas will respond to this latest development. One thing is certain, however: the conflict between Israel and Hamas will continue to simmer, with no end in sight.
Timeline of Events
- July 13th, 2024: Israeli fighter jets strike the area of Khan Younis in Gaza, killing more than 90 people.
- July 13th, 2024: Hamas denies that Mohammed Deif was among the casualties.
- August 10th, 2024: Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Hamas announce the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.
- August 11th, 2024: Israeli military announces that Mohammed Deif was killed in the July 13th strike.
Reactions from Around the World
- Hamas spokesperson Fawzi Barhoum: “The blood of our martyrs will not be in vain. We will continue to fight for our rights and our freedom, and we will not be deterred by the Israeli occupation’s crimes.”
- Israeli Prime Minister: “The elimination of Mohammed Deif is a significant blow to Hamas’s military capabilities. We will continue to take all necessary measures to protect our citizens and our sovereignty.”
- Palestinian Authority: “The killing of Mohammed Deif is a tragic loss for the Palestinian people. We call on the international community to take immediate action to end the Israeli occupation and to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.”
