Israeli military officials claim a recent operation targeted Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas's military operations, located within an area known for housing militants in Khan Younas, southern Gaza Strip. According to local emergency services, this action resulted in 71 fatalities and numerous injuries among civilians.
Deif, aged 58, has been on Israel's most-wanted list since 1995 after surviving several assassination attempts by Israeli forces. He is widely considered to be the principal figure behind a devastating attack in southern Israel that resulted in over 1,200 casualties and ignited an armed conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) also reported attempting another operation against Rafa Salama, another prominent member of the Hamas hierarchy. No further details about their condition have been disclosed by IDF at this time.
Gaza's Health Ministry revealed that Friday's Israeli strike on a displaced people's camp in Khan Younas claimed at least 71 lives and left 289 wounded. Eyewitness accounts suggest the targeted site was bombarded by several aircraft during an attack, with most of those affected transported to Nasser Hospital for medical treatment. However, this facility reportedly has reached its capacity due to a significant number of casualties.
Hamas denies Israel's claims that their high-ranking officials were specifically targeted and insists the allegations are fabricated to justify military action. The Israeli Defense Forces assert that the operation was conducted within an area known for housing militants, with most individuals present being associated with Hamas.
A top Hamas figure dismissed previous claims by Israel as baseless, suggesting that all casualties were civilians and expressing concern over what he described as a significant escalation of the conflict backed by international inaction. It was unclear whether Mohammed Deif had been at the location during the strike.
Deif, known for his involvement with Hamas from an early age, has frequently moved to evade Israeli forces and is believed to have survived several previous attempts on his life. His wife and children tragically perished in a 2014 airborran incident that reportedly targeted him.
Al-Hadath, a Saudi network, stated that Rafa Salama was killed in the recent strike while Mohammed Deif sustained serious injuries. They indicated that additional information is forthcoming.
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