War in Gaza - Israel confirms reports of attack on Hamas military chief
In a air raid on a humanitarian area in the southern Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian reports, at least 71 people were killed and nearly 300 more were injured. The Israeli military has now confirmed a media report stating that the attack targeted the Hamas military leader, Mohammed Deif. It did not initially disclose whether he was wounded or killed. The attack also reportedly targeted the Hamas brigade commander in the city of Khan Younis, Rafa Salama, who were described as "masterminds of the October 7 massacre."
Haaretz reported earlier that the army believed Deif, chief of the so-called Qassam Brigades, was among the casualties.
Israel denies reports of civilian casualties
"The attack was carried out in a fenced-in area controlled by Hamas, where, according to our information, only Hamas terrorists and no civilians were present," the army stated. "It was a precise strike. Estimates suggest that most of the casualties were also terrorists who were with Deif and Salama." The targeted area was reportedly an open area, surrounded by trees, several buildings, and trailers. There were reportedly no tents on the site.
Israeli media report, citing the army, that it is unclear whether hostages were present in the vicinity of the military operation.
Israel's Foreign Ministry stated that Defense Minister Joav Galant had recently conducted an assessment of the operational situation in Gaza with Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar.
According to Palestinian reports, Israeli forces targeted refugee tents. The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported that 20 corpses and 90 injured had been admitted to the Nasser Hospital. The Hamas government press office had previously spoken of over 100 fatalities. These reports could not be independently verified at the time. The Israeli army stated that it would check corresponding reports upon request.
- Despite the Israeli military's claim that only Hamas terrorists were present during the attack in the Gaza Strip, Haaretz reported earlier that they believed Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, who is based in Jerusalem, was among the casualties.
- Following the air raid in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the death of at least 71 people and injured nearly 300, the Hamas government in Gaza accused Israel of targeting civilians, including in refugee tents in the area.
- The recent conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has once again brought international attention to the volatile situation in the Gaza Strip and the surrounding areas, with major news outlets like Haaretz reporting on the ongoing developments.
