The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Thursday, August 1, that Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’ military wing, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza last month.
This confirmation follows closely on the heels of the assassination of Hamas’ political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. Deif, a key figure in Hamas, was neutralized by the IDF during an attack on Khan Yunis on July 13. Initially, Hamas denied Deif’s death, claiming that 100 other people perished in the strike. However, the IDF’s statement clarified the situation:
“The IDF announces that on July 13th, 2024, IDF fighter jets struck in the area of Khan Yunis, and following an intelligence assessment, it can be confirmed that Mohammed Deif was eliminated in the strike.”
The mastermind behind the October 7 terror attack
Mohammed Deif was believed to be the mastermind behind the brutal October 7 terror attack on Israeli soil last year. This operation, dubbed “Al Aqsa Flood” by Deif, resulted in the killing and kidnapping of innocent civilians. Alongside Deif, Yehya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, was also instrumental in planning the attack. The foundations of this attack were reportedly laid after the IDF raided the Al Aqsa mosque in May 2021.
Deif had been Israel’s most wanted man for decades, surviving nearly seven assassination attempts before his death on July 13. Over 30 years, he ascended through Hamas’ ranks, enhancing the group’s tunnel networks and bomb-making capabilities.
Haniyeh’s assassination raises questions
The confirmation of Deif’s death coincided with the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ political leader, in Tehran just a day prior. Hamas alleged that Haniyeh was killed in “a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran.” They stated, “Brother, leader, mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the movement, died in a Zionist strike on his headquarters in Tehran after he participated in the inauguration of the new (Iranian) president.”
Israel has not acknowledged or refuted Iran or Hamas’ claims regarding Haniyeh’s assassination. While details about the attack remain unclear, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed that one of Haniyeh’s bodyguards was also killed in the strike. Haniyeh has held the top position in Hamas since 2017, frequently moving between Turkey and Qatar’s capital, Doha, to evade travel restrictions from the blockaded Gaza Strip.
Implications and future outlook
The recent eliminations of both Deif and Haniyeh represent significant blows to Hamas. The loss of these high-ranking officials could lead to a power vacuum within the organization, potentially affecting its operations and strategic planning. As the region continues to grapple with these developments, the international community remains watchful for any ensuing repercussions.
