Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Thursday, August 1, that they have confirmed the death of Mohammed Deif, the military leader of Hamas. Deif, who was a key figure behind the October 7 attack on southern Israel, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on July 13.

Deif, aged 58, was a longstanding target of Israeli operations due to his significant role within Hamas. His death is seen as a major setback for the militant group, coming nearly ten months after the attack that spurred a severe Israeli military response in Gaza.

The IDF released a statement confirming Deif's death, stating, "We can now confirm: Mohammed Deif was eliminated." Deif had survived multiple assassination attempts by Israel, including one in 2021. He was believed to have been coordinating Hamas operations from Gaza's extensive network of tunnels since the October 7 assault.

In an audio recording released previously, Deif had referred to the attack as “Al-Aqsa Flood,” framing it as retribution for Israeli actions at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque. He expressed his intent for the attack to be a response to perceived Israeli aggression against the mosque and its worshippers.

Additionally, on July 31, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed the death of another prominent Hamas figure, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. Haniyeh was killed shortly after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president, an event that also saw the presence of Indian minister Nitin Gadkari.

Latest Related News:

Iran Holds Grand Funeral for Slain Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Amid Rising Regional Tensions

Israel Prepares for Retaliation After Key Hezbollah and Hamas Leaders Killed

Palestinian Leaders Condemn Assassination of Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh