Hamas commander killed in targeted attack on Mohammed Deif

By Yoni Weiss

Rafa Salama, commander of Hamas’ Khan Yunis Brigade, was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades chief Mohammed Deif, Saudi media reported on Sunday, citing Hamas sources.

Salama was said to have been at Deif’s side during the attack, and his body was recovered and immediately buried. The same sources said the search for more victims was suspended at sunset and resumed in the morning. They refused to confirm or deny whether Deif had been killed.

Israeli forces attacked the Al-Muasi area in the south of the Gaza Strip around noon, targeting Deif and Salama. According to Palestinian reports, dozens of people were killed and wounded in the attack.

Israel’s security forces estimated that Deif was likely killed because he was above ground and not in a tunnel at the time of the attack. The Shin Bet confirmed that the person attacked above ground in Khan Yunis was indeed Mohammed Deif, the second most wanted man in the Gaza Strip.

Next to Deif was Rafa Salama, as accurate intelligence indicates. The Air Force took the opportunity to attack when Deif was above ground and reported a precise hit on the target. The attacked complex belonged to Salama and was registered in his name.

The Israeli military is convinced that the elimination of Deif and Salama will put considerable pressure on Hamas.