Israeli Airstrike Targets Hamas Leader in Southern Gaza, Killing Lieutenant

An Israeli airstrike targeting Hamas’s military leader, Muhammad Deif, in southern Gaza on Saturday has led to significant developments in the region.

According to Israeli defense officials, the airstrike came after weeks of surveillance of a compound used by one of Deif's key lieutenants, Rafa Salameh.

Target Confirmation

Israeli military and intelligence agencies confirmed that the strike killed the lieutenant, Rafa Salameh, while the fate of Muhammad Deif remains unknown.

Hamas has denied the deaths of both individuals in the attack, which reportedly claimed the lives of more than 90 people in an area designated as a humanitarian zone by Israel, according to Gazan officials.

Authorized Strike

The strike was authorized after prolonged observation of one of Mr. Salameh’s secret command posts located west of Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza.

The villa surrounded by palm trees near the Mediterranean Sea, which belonged to Mr. Salameh’s family, was identified as one of his key locations.

Shift in Strongholds

Mr. Salameh had reportedly started spending more time at the villa in recent months after Israeli forces overran many of his other strongholds in Khan Younis, both above and below ground.