Israeli military officials say they have confirmed the death of Mohammad Deif, head of Hamas’ military wing. They claim he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on July 13. This marks a major victory for Israel and a significant setback for the Islamist miliary group. Analysts say it could help usher in an end to the war or escalate the conflict.
Deif is believed to be one of the masterminds behind Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people. That tragedy sparked the Israel-Hamas war, which in turn has led to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians.
Over the years, Deif evaded many assassination attempts. This gained him an almost mythical status among Palestinians. Few photos of him exist. Even the name “Deif” is an alias, derived from the Arabic word for “guest.”
In the 1990s, Deif helped found Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades. Under his command, the terrorist unit carried out dozens of suicide bombings against Israel. He led Hamas’s rocket program, building an arsenal to strike deep inside Israel. He helped plan the violent October 7 operation.
Deif’s death isn’t the only recent blow to Hamas. On July 31, another major leader, Ismail Haniyeh, died in an airstrike on Tehran, Iran. Israel also announced that its forces killed a top Hezbollah commander, Fuad Shukr, in a strike on Beirut, Lebanon.
“It’s a morale hit and a very strong operational hit, and it changes [Hamas] from something that has two legs to lean on to one that is limping,” says former Israeli intelligence official Moshe Fuzaylov. “But leaders are always replaceable.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to fight until Hamas is totally eliminated. Many world leaders call for Israel to agree to a cease-fire and prevent more civilian deaths. Deif’s assassination could give Israel the opportunity to claim a victory and end the fighting. But would Netanyahu choose to do so after promising “total victory”?
Hamas officials made no immediate comment on the claims of Deif’s death. Now weakened, the organization may be more open to cease-fire talks with Israel. But it’s also possible that Hamas could end cease-fire talks entirely.
Pray for peace in Gaza. Ask God to bring justice and protect innocent lives.
