Israel's Military Operation in Gaza
Israel's military has confirmed an airstrike aimed at Mohammed Deif, the leader of the military wing of Hamas, in the Gaza Strip. The operation took place in a fenced area controlled by Hamas, where the Israeli army claims only Hamas terrorists were present. However, Palestinian sources report that at least 71 people were killed and 289 were injured, many critically.
Conflicting Reports on the Attack
While Israel's military asserts that the strike was precise and did not target civilians, Palestinian authorities claim that the attack hit tents housing displaced people. The Israeli army maintains that the location was a guarded Hamas base with no civilians or Israeli hostages present. The authenticity of a video showing the aftermath of the strike, including a large crater and people searching for survivors, has not been independently verified.
The Target: Mohammed Deif
Mohammed Deif, a key figure in Hamas, has a long history of involvement in terrorist activities. Known as 'the guest' due to his elusive nature, Deif has survived multiple assassination attempts and continues to play a crucial role in Hamas operations. His fate following the recent airstrike remains uncertain. The Israeli military's broader objective includes capturing or killing top Hamas leaders, including Deif and Jihia al-Sinwar, to weaken the organization's command structure.