In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel announced on Saturday that it had targeted Hamas's military chief, Mohammed Deif, in a powerful airstrike on southern Gaza. This attack took place in Al-Mawasi, a location designated as a "safe zone" by Israel, where numerous displaced people had sought refuge. The Gaza health ministry has reported 71 fatalities and 289 injuries resulting from this strike, which has drawn widespread condemnation from various regional governments.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrike aimed at Mohammed Deif, a prominent Hamas leader, and Rafa Salama, a brigade commander. Both were described as "masterminds" behind the deadly October 7 attack that triggered the current conflict, which has now extended into its tenth month. The specific attack site, Al-Mawasi, was a designated humanitarian area where many civilians were sheltering. The high casualty numbers have sparked outrage and condemnation, with Jordan, Iran, and Egypt being particularly vocal in their criticism.
Cairo's foreign ministry labeled the incident as a crime that "cannot be accepted under any justification whatsoever." The Gaza health ministry described the strike as a "brutal massacre by the occupation," underscoring the severe impact on the local population. AFP, however, has not been able to independently verify the reported death toll.
According to the Israeli military, the targeted area was not a tent complex but an operational compound, surrounded by trees, buildings, and sheds. Despite this, a Hamas statement refuted Israel's claim of targeting Deif, accusing it of attempting to mask the scale of the massacre. The continuing conflict has also seen heavy fighting in Gaza City and other areas, leading to further casualties.
On the same day, the Al-Ahli hospital reported 17 deaths from a strike on the Al-Shati refugee camp, highlighting the widespread and indiscriminate nature of the violence. Scenes from Al-Mawasi captured by AFPTV showed chaos and despair, with survivors desperately trying to rescue victims amid ongoing shelling. "What did we do? We were just sitting near the beach," a woman cried, encapsulating the helplessness felt by many civilians caught in the crossfire.
In May, Israel had advised residents in Rafah to relocate to Al-Mawasi for safety as military operations intensified. Despite this, Al-Mawasi has repeatedly been the site of deadly attacks. One notable incident in May resulted in a fire that killed 45 people. The Israeli Prime Minister's office stated that the directive to eliminate senior Hamas figures was issued at the beginning of the war, and this latest operation was approved based on intelligence indicating Deif's presence without any hostages nearby.
This strike underscores Israel's continued strategy to target senior Hamas leadership while negotiating for the release of hostages. An Israeli security source emphasized that such operations would persist alongside diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement.
The intense shelling has severely hampered rescue operations in Gaza, with many bodies remaining in the streets due to the dangers of ongoing strikes. Palestinian civil defense teams have struggled to reach victims, often coming under fire themselves.
In Israel, there has been domestic pressure on the government to secure the release of hostages. Demonstrators have planned rallies, demanding a resolution to the hostage crisis. The conflict began with Hamas's large-scale attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,195 deaths, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza according to Israeli sources.
The Gaza health ministry reports that at least 38,443 people, primarily civilians, have been killed in Gaza due to the Israeli military offensive.
Efforts to negotiate a truce and hostage release continue, mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt. Talks in Doha and Cairo aim to bridge the gaps between the warring parties. US President Joe Biden has proposed a framework for a six-week truce, during which hostages would be exchanged for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. This proposal includes a second phase of negotiations aimed at ending the war entirely.
President Biden has also urged Israel to develop a "day-after" plan for Gaza, with diplomatic efforts focusing on securing cooperation from Arab states for post-war security arrangements. Meanwhile, Hamas has suggested forming an independent government for Gaza and the West Bank post-conflict.
The strike targeting Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif has intensified the already severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The significant loss of life and ongoing violence have drawn international condemnation and highlighted the urgent need for a resolution to the conflict. As diplomatic efforts continue, the focus remains on achieving a truce, securing the release of hostages, and addressing the long-term security and governance challenges in the region.
Posts
0 Comments