By D. W .G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
The Gaza health ministry, under Hamas administration, reports a death toll of 141 Palestinians as a result of Israeli airstrikes since Saturday, with approximately 400 more injured. One particularly devastating strike targeted a designated humanitarian zone in the al Mawasi area near Khan Younis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the attack aimed at senior Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, though his death remains unconfirmed. Eyewitnesses described the scene as akin to an "earthquake," with videos revealing the aftermath of wreckage and wounded individuals being transported on stretchers. Verify confirmed that the strike occurred within a humanitarian zone marked on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) website.
A second Israeli airstrike on Saturday reportedly killed 17 people in a prayer hall in the Shati refugee camp. While the Israeli military has yet to comment, a Hamas official condemned the attacks as a "grave escalation," arguing they demonstrate Israel's lack of interest in a ceasefire agreement. Ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Qatar and Egypt concluded without success on Friday.
Targeted Leaders and Military Strategy
In a Saturday press conference, Netanyahu explained the decision to proceed with the al Mawasi operation, emphasizing the necessity to ensure no hostages were present, assess collateral damage, and determine appropriate weaponry. While the deaths of the targeted Hamas leaders remain unverified, Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to dismantling Hamas's senior leadership. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh accused Netanyahu of obstructing ceasefire efforts with "heinous massacres," while Hamas denied claims of targeted strikes on their leaders.
An Israeli military official maintained that the strike occurred in an open area devoid of civilians, although he did not confirm if it was within a safe zone. He accused Hamas of cynically situating themselves in civilian areas. The official also noted that no hostages from the October 7 attack were believed to be in the area and asserted that the strike was based on "accurate intelligence."
Dr. Mohammed Abu Rayya, speaking Service's Newshour, described the hospital's scene as "hellish," with the majority of injuries stemming from shrapnel wounds. He highlighted that many casualties were women and children. Footage from the Kuwait field hospital illustrated the chaotic aftermath, with patients being treated on the floor due to overwhelming numbers. The Nasser medical complex in Khan Younis is reportedly no longer operational, according to Medical Aid for Palestinians, a British charity.
Profile of Mohammed Deif, Hamas's Elusive Military Leader
Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas's military wing, the al Qassam Brigades, is one of Israel's most sought after figures. Deif has attained near legendary status in Gaza, having evaded capture and survived multiple assassination attempts, including one in 2002 that resulted in the loss of an eye. After being imprisoned by Israeli authorities in 1989, he formed the Brigades with the objective of capturing Israeli soldiers.
Israel holds Deif responsible for orchestrating numerous attacks, including bus bombings in 1996 that resulted in dozens of Israeli deaths and the capture and killing of three Israeli soldiers in the mid 1990s. He is also believed to be one of the key planners behind the October 7 Hamas attack, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and foreigners, predominantly civilians, and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages. This attack prompted a significant Israeli military response, leading to over 38,400 Palestinian deaths, as reported by the Hamas run health ministry in Gaza.
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