Israel Believes Hamas Commander Mohammed Deif Killed in Airstrike

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Another roach dead, and more will crop up as usual. They replace them as soon as you get them.

After a long methodical operations in Gaza, Israel may have pulled off its most significant military and intelligence victory of the conflict: the possible assassination of Hamas’ top commander, Mohammed Deif. Although official confirmation is pending, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) increasingly believe that a Saturday airstrike in Khan Younis succeeded in killing the elusive figure who has evaded Israeli forces for decades.

Deif’s potential death occurs at a critical juncture for Jerusalem. Some Israeli officials are advocating for a deal to release Israeli hostages held in Gaza and refocus military efforts on Hezbollah in the north. Conversely, others view Deif’s elimination as a chance to deliver a decisive blow to a weakened Hamas. Nine months of relentless IDF operations have seemingly given Israel the upper hand both in negotiations and on the ground in Gaza.

Mohammed Deif, a key planner of the October 7 attack that escalated the conflict, has been a high-profile target due to his involvement in numerous suicide bombings and kidnappings. Previously, he narrowly escaped multiple Israeli assassination attempts. The IDF’s confidence in his death follows an airstrike on a compound used by Hamas brigade commander Rafa Salama. On Sunday, the IDF announced the elimination of Salama, who was known to be in close proximity to Deif during the strike. Despite Hamas’ denials, the likelihood of Deif surviving the bunker buster bomb attack appears slim.

This development would mark a significant milestone in a war characterized by incremental successes, as the IDF continues targeted strikes and operations to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure. Since the conflict began, the IDF claims to have neutralized or captured around 14,000 Hamas fighters, including senior commanders, significantly disrupting the group’s command structure and diminishing its rocket arsenal.

Assaf Orion, a defense strategist, emphasized the importance of dismantling Hamas’ operational capabilities. However, he cautioned that the long-term challenge lies in preventing Hamas from regenerating its forces and rearming, particularly with long-range rockets, which have become scarce due to Israeli actions.

A crucial element in curbing Hamas’ rearmament efforts is the IDF’s ongoing operations in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, where they have uncovered an extensive network of smuggling tunnels. These tunnels, vital for weapon supplies from Egypt, pose a significant challenge. Israeli officials are working with Egypt to seal these routes, potentially through underground barriers and sensors. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at progress with Egypt, but a firm agreement remains essential.

The tunnel networks remain a formidable challenge for the IDF, complicating efforts to destroy them without substantial ground forces. The summer heat and persistent IDF operations have forced many Hamas fighters to surface from these underground hideouts.

Additionally, the issue of over 130 hostages in Gaza complicates Israel’s military campaign. Negotiations for their release have been complex, with a proposed deal involving a six-week ceasefire in exchange for the release of 33 hostages. However, internal conflicts within Hamas, especially between its Qatar-based leadership and Gaza-based leaders like Yahya Sinwar, have stalled progress.

Some Israeli officials argue that intensified military pressure on Hamas could facilitate a hostage deal and weaken the group’s military capabilities. The broader strategy involves addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the flow of arms and funds to Hamas and the group’s exploitation of humanitarian crises.

Major Points

  • Israel believes it has killed Hamas’ top commander Mohammed Deif in a recent airstrike, pending official confirmation.
  • Deif’s death would be a significant milestone, impacting Israel’s negotiations and military strategy.
  • The IDF has significantly disrupted Hamas’ command structure and rocket arsenal through ongoing operations.
  • Preventing Hamas from rearming is crucial, with operations in Rafah targeting smuggling tunnels.
  • Hostage negotiations are ongoing, complicated by internal Hamas conflicts, while some Israeli officials advocate for increased military pressure.

Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger New

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