The IDF has confirmed that Muhammad Deif, the long-time commander of Hamas's military wing, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip last month.
According to the IDF, intelligence confirming Deif's death was obtained in the last few hours. The 58-year-old leader of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades was targeted on July 13 in a strike on a compound in the Khan Younis area, belonging to Rafa'a Salameh, the commander of Hamas's Khan Younis Brigade.
Deif, who had led Hamas's military operations for over two decades, was one of Israel's most wanted figures. He was a key architect of the October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of around 251 hostages.
The IDF reports that the intelligence pointing to Deif's presence at Salameh's compound was highly accurate. Israeli fighter jets surveilled the area for half a day before the strike, which was executed within minutes of final confirmation of Deif's arrival.
This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, potentially impacting the militant group's leadership structure and operational capabilities.
The IDF has released footage of the strike, providing visual confirmation of the operation that led to Deif's death.
* The Times of Israel contributed to this article.
