The Downfall of Hamas Commanders: A Turning Point in Gaza

Hamas' military leader Mohammed Deif and his deputy Marwan Issa were confirmed killed by the al-Qassam Brigades, following Israeli airstrikes. Known for masterminding attacks on Israel, their deaths mark a critical point in the ongoing conflict. Israel had been pursuing Deif for years.

On Thursday, Hamas' al-Qassam Brigades confirmed a significant development; the deaths of its military leader Mohammed Deif and deputy Marwan Issa. This revelation follows the Israeli military's earlier announcement, in August, of Deif's death via an airstrike in Gaza's Khan Younis area.

Deif and Issa, who were also reported killed by Israel in March, were allegedly the architects behind Hamas's October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel—a move that ignited the current war in Gaza.

Known for his elusive nature and lengthy, secretive career within the Palestinian group, Deif's death is seen as a critical blow to Hamas. The al-Qassam Brigades also stated that three additional senior members of its general military council were killed, as declared by their spokesperson, Abu Ubaida.

(With inputs from agencies.)