Israeli Airstrike Aims at Hamas Military Leader; Gaza Reports 71 Fatalities

A security official mentioned that it was uncertain if Mohammed Deif had been killed. According to Army Radio, he was hiding in a building located in Al-Mawasi, a humanitarian zone designated by Israel in Gaza.

On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike targeted Mohammed Deif, the military chief of Hamas, in Gaza. According to a security official and Israel Army Radio, the strike resulted in at least 71 Palestinian casualties, as reported by the enclave's health ministry. It remains uncertain whether Deif was killed in the attack. Army Radio noted that Deif was allegedly hiding in a building within Al-Mawasi, a humanitarian zone designated by Israel, located west of Khan Younis.

Deif, one of the primary architects behind Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, has been a prominent figure on Israel's most-wanted list for decades. He has survived seven previous assassination attempts, the latest occurring in 2021.

The health ministry in Gaza reported that the airstrike led to the deaths of at least 71 Palestinians and injured 289 others. In response to the developments in Gaza, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant conducted special consultations. The impact of this strike on ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Doha and Cairo remains unclear.

The Hamas-run media office stated that the strike resulted in over 100 casualties, including members of the Civil Emergency Service. The Israeli military is currently investigating these claims.

A senior Hamas official dismissed the Israeli allegations as "nonsense" and did not confirm Deif's presence at the site. Abu Zuhri, speaking to Reuters, described the incident as a severe escalation and accused Israel of having no interest in a ceasefire, alleging that the strike was part of a broader campaign supported by American backing and global indifference.

Witnesses described the attack as unexpected, occurring in an area that had been relatively calm. Reuters footage depicted ambulances rushing to the scene amid smoke and dust, with displaced civilians, including women and children, fleeing in panic.

One witness, a tearful woman, expressed her anguish, stating, "They're all gone, my whole family's gone.. where are my brothers? They're all gone, they're all gone. There's no one left." She added, "Our children are in pieces, they are in pieces. Shame (on you)."

Deif has been a key figure in Hamas for over 30 years, known for developing the group's tunnel network and bomb-making capabilities. He is held responsible for numerous Israeli deaths resulting from suicide bombings.

On October 7, Hamas-led militants launched a cross-border raid into southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In retaliation, Israeli military actions in Gaza have resulted in over 38,000 Palestinian deaths, according to medical authorities in Gaza.