Pranav Mathur, Pune
The Israeli army alleges that Hamas’s military commander was killed in an airstrike that took place in southern Gaza (Khan Yunis) in the second week of July. This news came out on Thursday, one day after the announcement of the death of Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh, which was confirmed both by Iranian Guards and Hamas.
The Israeli army announced that on 13th July 2024, Israeli fighter jets bombarded the region of Khan Yunis And after an intelligence survey, it was confirmed by them that Mohammed Deif was killed. The military also reiterated the fact that Deif was the one who initiated the plan of attack that took place in Israel on the 7th of October, 2023 which resulted in the death of over a thousand people. Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant compared Deif to Osama Bin Laden, calling him the “Osama Bin Laden of Gaza,” and considers his death to be a big step towards dismantling the Hamas governing authority in Gaza. His post on X also warns the Hamas terrorists, saying that if they do not surrender, they will all be eliminated. The planners and the executors of the massacre will be pursued by the Israeli army. He also posted on X saying that the Israeli Army will not stop until their mission is accomplished.
However, the health authorities that are run by Hamas in Gaza say that Deif was not among the 90 people that were killed in the airstrike. The 900 kgs bomb that was dropped near the commander’s house where he was taking refuge, left a huge crater. This could be the reason for the Israeli army’s strong belief of the death. As the leader of Hamas’s military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Deif has been on the US list of “international terrorists” since 2015 and was considered one of Israel’s most wanted men for almost thirty years as he had constantly been carrying out several attacks against Israel.
Deif also survived almost seven assassination attempts by Israel, 2021 being the most recent attempt. The Finance Minister also took to the stage to talk about the event, and said that they will not rest until the war is won, and that they will “destroy them all”.