Impact of Muhammad Daf's Elimination on Hamas
The recent attempted assassination of Muhammad Daf, the head of Hamas's military wing, has sparked significant discussion about its potential impact on the organization. Adi Karmi, a former senior member of the Shin Bet, emphasized that while Daf's elimination would be a major blow to Hamas, it would not signify a complete victory. Karmi explained that Hamas has a structure in place to replace leaders like Daf, ensuring the organization's continued existence.
Karmi, who has a deep understanding of Daf's rise within Hamas, noted that Daf played a crucial role in introducing suicide attacks into Hamas's tactics. "Mohammed Daf and Yahya Sinwar are the ones who developed this matter to the Torah and in 1994 and 1995 the suicide attacks began," Karmi stated. He also highlighted the importance of intelligence in carrying out such targeted eliminations, stressing the need for real-time, specific information from multiple sources.
Reactions and Consequences
Following the IDF's attack on Khan Yunis, which targeted Daf, a senior Hamas official confirmed to AFP that Daf is alive and in good condition. The official also mentioned that Hamas has decided to halt negotiations due to Israel's actions and lack of seriousness. Meanwhile, sources reported that Rafe Salama, the commander of the Khan Yunis Brigade, was killed in the attack while being by Daf's side.
The IDF's operation, which involved heavy bombings in the al-Mawasi refugee camp, resulted in dozens of casualties. The security establishment believes that the elimination of key figures like Daf will put significant pressure on Hamas. Defense Minister Yoav Galant and other top officials held a situation assessment following the attack, with Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterating his directive to eliminate all senior Hamas officials.
Despite multiple assassination attempts over the years, Daf has managed to survive, often narrowly escaping death. His resilience has made him a symbol within Hamas, but the recent attack underscores the ongoing efforts to dismantle the organization's leadership. As the situation develops, the focus remains on the potential ramifications for both Hamas and the broader region.
- The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to be marked by significant military operations and targeted eliminations. The attempted assassination of Muhammad Daf highlights the strategic importance placed on removing key figures within Hamas.
- Adi Karmi's insights into Daf's history and role within Hamas provide a deeper understanding of the challenges faced in countering such organizations. The emphasis on intelligence and real-time information underscores the complexity of these operations.
- The halt in negotiations by Hamas, as reported by a senior official, indicates a potential escalation in tensions. The IDF's belief that eliminating significant figures will pressure Hamas suggests a continued focus on targeted operations.
