Months after Israel announced the elimination of Mohammed Deif, Hamas officially confirmed the death of its military leader in a statement on Thursday, January 30, 2025. According to the Times of Israel, Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida revealed in a video message that Deif was killed in an Israeli airstrike on July 13, 2024, in Khan Younis.

Details of the Israeli Strike on Hamas Leaders

On July 13, 2024, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an airstrike targeting Mohammed Deif and top Hamas commanders at a compound belonging to Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade commander, Rafa'a Salameh. At the time, Israel had claimed responsibility for the attack but lacked confirmation of Deif's death.

Now, after months of intelligence gathering, IDF has verified his elimination. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the IDF stated, "We can now confirm: Mohammed Deif was eliminated."

Alongside Deif, Hamas also confirmed the deaths of several senior military leaders, including:

• Ghazi Abu Tama'a – Deputy commander of Hamas's military wing
• Raad Thabet – Hamas military chief of staff
• Rafa'a Salameh – Khan Younis Brigade commander
• Ayman Nofal – Central Gaza Brigade commander
• Ahmed Ghandour – Northern Gaza Brigade commander

Impact on the Israel-Palestine Conflict

The confirmation of Deif’s death comes amid ongoing Israel-Hamas hostilities, which have led to significant casualties on both sides. Israel has been conducting military operations in Gaza since Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israeli civilians and the abduction of 200+ hostages.

In retaliation, Israel launched a full-scale counter-offensive, which has reportedly led to over 46,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza.

Prisoner Exchange and Ceasefire Developments

As the war continues, Israel recently released 110 Palestinian prisoners following security assurances from ceasefire mediators. The release followed chaotic scenes in Khan Younis when Israeli and Thai hostages were handed over.

Earlier, Israel had delayed the Palestinian prisoner release, citing the need for a "safe passage guarantee" for Israeli hostages. The Israeli PM's Office issued a statement saying:

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, together with Defense Minister Israel Katz, has ordered that the release of the terrorists slated to be released today be delayed until the safe exit of our hostages in the next phases is assured. Israel demands that the mediators see to this."

The Larger Picture

The confirmation of Mohammed Deif’s death represents a significant blow to Hamas’ military leadership. Israel has long sought to eliminate key Hamas figures, and this latest development may further impact the ongoing ceasefire negotiations and the broader conflict dynamics.