Israeli Airstrike Targets Hamas Chief Deif Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict

In an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, Hamas' military chief Mohammed Deif was targeted. The strike resulted in the deaths of at least 71 Palestinians, with no confirmation on Deif's fate. The incident has further strained ceasefire talks and intensified the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

An Israeli airstrike targeted Hamas' military chief Mohammed Deif in Gaza on Saturday, as confirmed by a security official and Israel Army Radio. The enclave's health ministry reported that at least 71 Palestinians were killed in the attack.

It remains unclear whether Deif was among the dead, though Israel Army Radio claimed he was hiding in Al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis. Deif has survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts and is a key figure behind Hamas' Oct. 7 attack that escalated the Gaza conflict. The Gaza health ministry stated 289 people were injured in the strike.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant held special consultations due to the Gaza developments. The strike has cast doubt on ceasefire talks in Doha and Cairo. Hamas media reported 100 casualties, including Civil Emergency Service members. The Israeli military is investigating, while a Hamas official dismissed the Israeli claims as 'nonsense' and accused Israel of escalating the war.

Witnesses described the attack as surprising, causing panic among displaced residents. Ambulances rushed to the scene amid clouds of smoke. Deif has played a significant role in developing Hamas' tunnel network and bomb-making capabilities over three decades. His masterminding of attacks has placed him atop Israel's most wanted list. The conflict continues with heavy casualties on both sides.