Israel Kills Hamas Chief Mohammed Deif: Full Story

Israel Confirms Death of Hamas Chief Mohammed Deif

After days of speculation, Israel has confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, the military chief of Hamas. The elusive leader, who masterminded the devastating October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, was killed in an airstrike on July 13, 2024. This marks the culmination of a long and persistent effort by Israeli forces to capture or kill Deif.

The Long Hunt for Deif

Deif, known for his ability to evade capture, earned his nickname “The Guest” due to his practice of frequently changing locations to avoid detection. This elusive nature made him one of Israel’s most wanted individuals. The pursuit of Deif has been marked by numerous attempts on his life, all of which had failed until now.

Key Details of the Airstrike

The airstrike on July 13 targeted Deif in Gaza City’s Khan Yunis neighborhood. The operation resulted in significant casualties, with at least 90 people reported dead. This was one of the most significant attacks in recent times, aimed at neutralizing a high-profile target.

Israeli forces had previously attempted to eliminate Deif on several occasions. Notably, an earlier airstrike in 2009, aimed at a vehicle in Gaza City, missed its target but resulted in the deaths of six people. Despite these failures, Deif continued to evade capture through his strategic maneuvers.

Why Was Deif a Target?

Deif’s significance to Israel stemmed from his role in planning the October 7, 2023 attack, which Israel referred to as its “9/11 moment.” This brutal attack resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and more than 250 hostages taken by Hamas. Deif’s strategic planning and execution of the attack, named “Al-Aqsa Flood,” were seen as direct retribution for Israeli actions in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque in 2021.

Deif’s History and Impact

Mohammed Deif, born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp, was a key figure in the development of Hamas’ rocket arsenal and the extensive Gaza Metro tunnel system. His expertise in military strategy and explosives was honed under the mentorship of Yahya Abd-al-Latif Ayyash, a prominent Hamas bombmaker.

Throughout his career, Deif survived numerous assassination attempts. He lost several family members, including his wife and children, during the Israeli pursuit. Despite severe injuries from previous strikes, Deif managed to continue his operations until the final airstrike.

The Aftermath

The confirmation of Deif’s death provides a significant moment of closure for Israeli forces, marking the end of a lengthy and tumultuous chapter in their ongoing conflict with Hamas. This development follows the recent killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, further shifting the dynamics within Hamas and its operations.

The death of Mohammed Deif represents a major strategic victory for Israel. It brings to a close a decade-long pursuit of one of Hamas’s most elusive and dangerous leaders. As the conflict continues, the impact of this event on both Israeli and Hamas strategies remains to be seen.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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