Hamas Confirms Death of Military Leader Mohammed Deif Following Airstrike

Mohammed Deif, recognized as the head of Hamas's military wing, has been confirmed dead following an airstrike, according to a statement from the group in Gaza. This confirmation comes several months after Israeli authorities claimed to have killed him in an airstrike last August. In conjunction with the announcement of Deif's death, Hamas also reported the loss of four other senior figures within their ranks.

The news was broadcasted during a live stream event by Arab television stations, which paused their coverage of a Palestinian prisoner release to air a press conference led by Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas's armed forces, who confirmed Deif’s demise. Deif has long been listed as one of Israel’s most wanted individuals, having survived numerous assassination attempts and maintaining a low profile for decades, which made him a legendary figure among Hamas fighters.

The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Mohammed Deif in 2024, alongside Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant, in relation to the conflict in Gaza. Deif was one of the founders of the military wing known as the Qassam Brigades during the 1990s and had been leading the unit for many years. Notably, under his command, the Qassam Brigades executed numerous attacks against Israeli targets, amassing a significant stockpile of rockets capable of reaching deep into Israeli territory.

Israel attributed the attacks on the nation to Deif and former political leader of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in October. These militants coordinated an extensive offensive that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities, mostly among civilians, with around 250 others taken hostage and transported to Gaza. In response, Israel initiated a war in Gaza, leading to over 47,460 Palestinian deaths, as reported by the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled area.

Additionally, Hamas confirmed the death of deputy military commander Marwan Issa, reportedly killed earlier in March 2024 according to U.S. claims. The group also stated that Rafaa Salameh, their commander in Khan Younis, was killed in airstrikes. Despite Israel's military objectives aimed at dismantling Hamas, the group has continued to assert its influence in Gaza over the recent weeks of a ceasefire, with armed Hamas fighters reinstating their presence on the streets and facilitating the return of displaced families.