Uncertainty Surrounds Hamas Commander’s Fate as Heavy Losses Mount from Israeli Air Strikes

Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders over the weekend near Khan Yunis. While Hamas stated that their military chief, Mohammed Deif, was still alive, they provided no official confirmation.

Israeli military confirmed the death of Rafa’a Salameh, a top deputy of Mr. Deif and the commander of Hamas’s Khan Yunis Brigade, in the attack on July 13. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned that there was uncertainty about Mr. Deif’s status after the raid.

Netanyahu emphasized that all Hamas leaders are targeted for elimination to push the group towards accepting a cease-fire deal.

Hamas reported on July 14 that cease-fire talks in Gaza were ongoing and that Mr. Deif was in good health.

The airstrike near Khan Yunis led to the death of at least 90 Palestinians and injuries to around 300. Palestinian health officials associated with Hamas do not distinguish between civilian and military casualties.

In a social media post, the IDF shared aerial photos showing the aftermath of the strike. Witnesses reported that the attack took place in an area designated as safe for displaced Palestinians.

Mohammed Deif has been a long-standing target for Israel and has been in hiding for years.

Rafa’a Salameh, in his role as the commander of Hamas’s Khan Yunis-Al Qarara Battalion, played a significant part in the abduction of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit. He was also responsible for launching projectiles towards Israel from the Khan Yunis area.

Strike Near Lebanon-Syria Border

In another operation, a drone destroyed a car near the Lebanon-Syria border, killing a Syrian businessman, Mohammed Baraa Katerji, who had close ties to Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Mr. Katerji was targeted due to his involvement in funding the “Syrian resistance” against Israel in the Golan Heights. He was sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for facilitating weapons shipments and trading oil with the Islamic State.

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