Hamas acknowledges the killing of its top military commander months after Israel claimed responsibility for the July 2023 airstrike.
Jerusalem, January 31: Hamas has officially confirmed the death of its military leader, Mohammed Deif, in an Israeli airstrike in July 2023, months after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared him eliminated, The Times of Israel reported.
Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida made the announcement in a video statement, also confirming the deaths of several top military figures, including:
🔹 Ghazi Abu Tama’a – Deputy commander of Hamas’s military wing
🔹 Raad Thabet – Military wing chief of staff
🔹 Rafa’a Salameh – Khan Younis Brigade commander
🔹 Ayman Nofal – Central Gaza Brigade commander
🔹 Ahmed Ghandour – Northern Gaza Brigade commander
Israel Previously Claimed Responsibility for Strike
In August 2023, Israel claimed that Deif had been killed in a July 13 airstrike targeting a Hamas compound in Khan Younis.
The IDF reaffirmed the claim on Thursday, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“We can now confirm: Mohammed Deif was eliminated.”
According to Israeli intelligence, confirmation of Deif’s death came only in the past few hours.
Palestinian Prisoner Release Follows Hostage Exchange
As part of a ceasefire-hostage deal, Israel released 110 Palestinian prisoners, following security assurances from mediators.
🔹 The release followed Israel’s confirmation that three Israeli and five Thai hostages had been freed.
🔹 The handover process was delayed after chaotic scenes in Khan Younis but was eventually completed.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had initially ordered a delay in releasing Palestinian prisoners until there were guarantees of a “safe exit” for Israeli hostages in future releases.
“Israel demands that the mediators see to this,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
Ongoing Conflict and Casualties
🔺 Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel killed over 1,200 people and resulted in over 200 hostages being taken.
🔺 Israel’s counter-offensive in Gaza has since led to the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to reports from Gaza health officials.
As tensions remain high, the confirmation of Deif’s death marks a significant development in Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas leadership.