
Hamas has officially confirmed the death of its military leader, Mohammed Deif, and deputy military commander, Marwan Issa, months after Israel’s announcement of their killings. The confirmation came from the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, on Thursday. The group also revealed that three other senior members of its military council had died in combat.
Deif, an elusive figure who had been a key part of Hamas for decades, was a target of Israel for many years. He was believed to have played a pivotal role in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which sparked the ongoing war in Gaza. Israel had earlier announced that it had killed Deif in an airstrike in Gaza’s Khan Younis area in August, while Marwan Issa was also reportedly killed in March.
The military wing of Hamas, in a statement, expressed its resolve despite the losses, with Abu Ubaida, the group’s spokesperson, reaffirming their commitment to continue their operations. The deaths of these top commanders mark a significant development in the ongoing conflict, which has seen numerous casualties and escalated tensions between Israel and Hamas.
In addition to the confirmed deaths of Deif and Issa, the al-Qassam Brigades stated that the deaths of three other senior figures from its military council occurred during the course of the fighting. These losses could have a major impact on the group’s leadership structure and operations moving forward.
Hamas’ military operations, and particularly the October 7 attack, which led to the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis, have drawn international attention. With the Israeli Defense Forces continuing their operations in Gaza, the conflict remains intense and unresolved.
Sources By Agencies