The Israeli military has confirmed that Hamas commander Mohammed Deif was killed in an airstrike earlier in July.

This revelation comes a day after Ismail Haniyeh, another prominent figure in the group, was killed in Iran.

According to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), their fighter jets targeted the Khan Yunis area, resulting in Deif’s death.

This strike was verified following an intelligence assessment.

Deif, who had been on Israel’s most wanted list for nearly three decades and designated as an international terrorist by the U.S. since 2015, was reportedly responsible for planning the deadly October 7 incursion into Israel.

This incursion led to the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the taking of around 240 hostages.

The Legacy and Impact of Mohammed Deif

Mohammed Deif, known as the head of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades—Hamas’s armed wing—had survived multiple assassination attempts by Israel over the years.

These attempts resulted in severe injuries, including the loss of his legs and an arm, and the death of his wife and two children. The July 13 airstrike that allegedly killed him also resulted in the deaths of more than 90 people, including displaced civilians.

The house targeted in the strike was hit with a massive 2,000lb bomb, leaving a large crater.

Deif was a founding member of the Qassam Brigades in the 1990s and played a significant role in orchestrating suicide bombings and building an arsenal of rockets capable of reaching deep into Israel.

Ismail Haniyeh’s Death and Regional Repercussions

The announcement of Deif’s death followed the reported killing of Ismail Haniyeh, a high-ranking Hamas official, in Tehran. Haniyeh, who had been living in exile in Qatar since 2019, was reportedly killed by an ‘airborne guided projectile.’

While Israel did not claim responsibility for Haniyeh’s death, the incident has raised concerns about potential retaliation.

Haniyeh, known for his role as a negotiator and liaison with Hamas’ allies, had faced criticism from within the organization and the Gaza Strip for his luxurious lifestyle abroad.

The Broader Implications

The recent targeted killings of Hamas leaders like Deif and Haniyeh could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict.

Dr. Andreas Krieg, a security studies expert at King’s College London, suggests that these actions may not lead to a dramatic escalation but serve as symbolic victories. He emphasizes that while these figures are replaceable, all parties involved are likely to avoid crossing certain escalation thresholds to maintain their reputations.

The situation remains tense, with regional dynamics and potential retaliatory actions still unfolding.

TDPel Media

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