Israel announces killing of Hamas military chief - fears escalation
Confirmation of Deif's Death: The Israeli military announced that, following an analysis of intelligence information, it could be confirmed that Hamas' military chief, Deif, was "neutralized" in an airstrike on July 13 in the Khan Yunis region in southern Palestine. It was further stated that Deif was responsible for initiating, planning, and executing the October 7 massacre, and was also behind numerous other attacks on Israel. Defense Minister Joav Gallant described his death as a "significant milestone" in the dismantling of Hamas.
Hamas Leadership: Alongside Haniyah and Jahya Sinwar, who is believed to be in the Gaza Strip, Deif was considered one of the masterminds behind Hamas' large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, which sparked the Gaza war. A day before the announcement of Deif's death, Haniyah, the head of Hamas' political bureau, was killed in an attack in Tehran. Iranian reports initially stated that an airstrike hit his residence, but recent reports from the New York Times suggest that the explosion was caused by an explosive device planted several months earlier.
Israel's Response: Israel has not commented on Haniyah's death. Iran's spiritual leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who holds Israel responsible for the deadly attack, has reportedly ordered a direct attack on Israel in retaliation, according to a report by the New York Times. The Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has also threatened an attack on Israel. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah promised a "inevitable response" from his militia to the killing of their senior commander, Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli attack in a suburb of Beirut on Tuesday.
Israeli Prime Minister's Statement: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his country is prepared for any "aggression" from Iran and its allies. Israel is "at a very high level of preparation for every scenario, both defensively and offensively," Netanyahu declared on Thursday. Any "act of aggression against Israel" will be met with a "very high price," he warned. "Whoever attacks us, we will also attack."
Funeral of Hamas Leader: The funeral of Hamas leader Haniyah in Tehran was attended by Iranian President Massoud Peseschkian and the commander of the powerful Revolutionary Guards, Hussein Salami. Later, a plane carrying Haniyah's remains arrived in Doha, Qatar, according to the Qatari broadcaster Al-Jazeera. Haniyah is expected to be buried in the Gulf emirate of Qatar, where he has resided for years.
Hamas' Call for Protests: In response to the death of their political bureau chief, Hamas has called for a "Day of Rage" on Friday. In a statement, they called for "marches of rage" in front of every mosque after the Friday prayer.
Casualties: In the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, Israeli reports state that 1197 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage in the Gaza Strip. Israel responded with a massive military operation in the Gaza Strip. According to Hamas, which cannot be independently verified, more than 39,400 people have been killed there since then.
The announcement of Deif's death might lead to an escalation of the situation as Iran has reportedly ordered a direct attack on Israel in retaliation. The escalation of the situation could result in further attacks from Iran-backed militant groups like Hezbollah.
