Palestine (Washington Insider Magazine)- An Israeli strike on a displacement camp in southern Gaza is said to have killed at least 90 Palestinians. According to Israel, the strike was directed towards the military chief of Hamas, Mohammed Deif, who was allegedly the mastermind of the October 7 attacks.
Devastation in Al-Mawasi: Footage Reveals Aftermath
The strike hit Al-Mawasi, designated as a safe zone for Palestinians fleeing conflict. Footage shows bodies in the streets and destroyed tents. “I cannot describe to you the magnitude of the tragedy,” a resident told CNN. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated it was uncertain if Deif and his deputy were killed.
Casualties and Rescue Efforts
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported at least 90 dead and 300 injured, with half of the victims being women and children. Locals and rescue teams are trying to save those trapped under rubble. The ministry’s casualty figures were not confirmed by CNN.
Who is Mohammed Deif? An elusive figure
Deif, who was born in the Khan Younis refugee camp in the 1960s, has led Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, for over two decades. Known as “El Deif” or “the guest”,” he has evaded the Israeli armed forces by frequently changing locations. Deif has been on Israel’s most wanted list for decades and is accused of organising numerous attacks.
The architect of Hamas’ military strategy
Deif joined Hamas during the first intifada in 1987 and helped found the Qassam Brigades in the early 1990s. He was a central figure in the planning of attacks, including a wave of suicide bombings in 1996. Deif was appointed leader of the Qassam Brigades in 2002 and was instrumental in the development of Hamas’ military strategy and tunnel networks, according to CNN,
Multiple Assassination Attempts
Deif has survived several assassination attempts, with the most notable being a 2014 Israeli strike that killed his wife and children. Despite severe injuries, including losing an eye and leg damage, Deif continued to lead Hamas’ military operations.
October 7 Attacks and International Charges
Deif is believed to have played a key role in the October 7 cross-border raids that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis. Over 38,000 people have died as a result of Israel’s operations in Gaza after these attacks. For their suspected roles in the attacks, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is requesting arrest warrants for Deif and other Hamas leaders.
The Cat with Nine Lives:
Deif’s Survival As Israel proceeds with its operations, it is unclear if Deif has withstood the most recent attack. Deif’s resilience in avoiding capture and surviving assassination attempts has given him the nickname “the Cat with Nine Lives.”
Local Accounts and Hamas’ Response
Eyewitnesses and survivors described the chaos and destruction caused by the strike. “We suddenly heard missiles hitting,” a resident said. “People around me were martyred, women, men, and children.” Hamas denied Israeli claims of targeting Deif and called the killings a “horrific massacre,” asserting that Israeli claims of targeting leaders were false.
