Israel’s military has announced the death of Mohammed Deif, one of the alleged masterminds behind the October 7 attacks, following a strike in southern Gaza in July.
According to CNN, this declaration comes just a day after Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was reportedly assassinated in Tehran.
An Israeli military official said recent intelligence has confirmed Deif’s death, nearly three weeks after the attack on Khan Younis.
The official refrained from detailing the nature of this intelligence.
There has been no immediate response from Hamas, though CNN has reached out to the group for a comment.
The Israel Defense Forces reported conducting a “precise, targeted strike” on a compound in Khan Younis where Deif and another commander, Rafe Salama, were located. Salama’s death was announced in July.
Israeli officials had suspected the strike was successful but only recently confirmed Deif’s death.
The strike, which targeted a designated humanitarian zone, resulted in the deaths of at least 90 Palestinians, with footage showing devastation in the Al-Mawasi displacement camp.
Deif, a key figure in the October 7 attacks, led Hamas’ military wing for over two decades and was a top target for Israel.
Both the United States and the European Union had him listed on terror blacklists.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised the operation as a significant step toward dismantling Hamas in Gaza.
Gallant stated on X, “The operation was conducted precisely and professionally by the IDF and ISA (Israel Security Agency). This operation reflects the fact that Hamas is disintegrating, and that Hamas terrorists may either surrender or they will be eliminated.”
He further emphasized, “Israel’s defense establishment will pursue Hamas terrorists – both the planners and the perpetrators of the 07.10 massacre. We will not rest until this mission is accomplished.”
