The Israeli military said Thursday that its fighter jets killed Hamas’ military chief in Gaza – Mohammed Deif – in a strike in Khan Younis on July 13.
Israel’s confirmation that Deif was killed in southern Gaza came nearly three weeks after it carried out the strike, which killed at least 90 Palestinians in the sprawling tent city of Al-Mawasi.
Footage from Al-Mawasi, which has been designated as a safe zone for Palestinians fleeing the fighting elsewhere, showed bodies in the street and destroyed tents.
What does Israel say? An Israeli military official told CNN they recently received new intelligence that gave them the confidence to confirm Deif was killed in the airstrike, but declined to specify the nature of that intelligence.
The Israeli military said that they launched a “precise, targeted strike” where Deif was staying, adding that “additional terrorist operatives were also eliminated during the strike.” CNN cannot independently verify IDF statements.
At the time of the attack, Israeli officials said they had indications their strike was successful but were not able to confirm that he was killed until now.
Who is Mohammed Deif? Deif is understood to be one of the masterminds behind the Hamas-led October 7 attacks into southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and another 250 abducted.
