Israel attacks Hamas leader Mohammed Deif with precision strike, fate unclear

By Yoni Weiss

Israeli forces carried out a targeted attack on a Hamas compound in the Muasi region of the Gaza Strip, targeting senior Hamas military officials. The main targets included Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’ military wing, and Rafah Salama, a senior member of the organization, both of whom are considered to be behind the October 7 massacre.

Israeli officials believe there were numerous terrorists in the complex, but confirmed that there were no Israeli hostages at the site of the attack.

The area of ​​attack in the Muasi region to the west of Khan Yunis is a densely populated civilian zone. Hamas exploits this civilian space and uses the dense vegetation and topography for operational purposes.

This operation was the result of coordinated intelligence efforts by the Shin Bet, military intelligence, and the Air Force in cooperation with the Southern Command, attacking multiple targets simultaneously using modern operational methods.

Intelligence received over the past 24 hours allowed for an immediate and targeted attack on specific complexes, avoiding civilian areas. Military officials estimate that a significant number of terrorists were killed in this operation, underscoring the challenge of combating a terrorist organization rooted in the civilian population.

The Shin Bet has been pursuing senior Hamas officials and targeting their command structures for years. Despite increasing operational difficulties during the war, favorable conditions for attacks allowed the elimination of key figures such as Marwan Issa, Ahmed Andour and Ayman Nofal.

In a related context, the Saudi broadcaster Al-Hadath reported that Mohammed Deif and other high-ranking Hamas officials were often on the move to avoid detection. Israel is said to have received information from captured Hamas officials, which led to a temporary halt in Hamas communications within the Gaza Strip after the attack. The terrorist organization is currently investigating a “serious breach” of its security.