Israel targets top Hamas commander, mastermind in Oct. 7 attacks during air strike in Gaza

A major Israeli airstrike in Gaza Saturday targeted the Hamas commander considered the mastermind of the horrific Oct. 7 attacks that left 1,200 Israelis dead and triggered the war in Gaza.

Israel Defense Forces shot rockets at a fenced-off compound where Muhammad Deif, the commander of Hamas’s military wing, and Rafa’a Salameh, the commander of Hamas’s Khan Younis Brigade, were holed up, according to multiple reports.

The military was still waiting for intelligences to confirm whether Dief, leader of the group’s notorious Qassam Brigades, and Salameh were killed in the strike.

The Saudi news channel al-Hadath reported that Dief was seriously injured and Salameh was killed, according to the Times of Israel.

Dief is widely viewed as Hamas’ second-in-command in Gaza behind the supreme terror boss Yahya Sinwar.

Long sought by the Israeli military, his death could derail cease-fire talks but would be seen as a major victory for Israel.

Wuitnesses said the strike landed insided an Israeli-designated safe zone that stretches from northern Rafah to Khan Younis. The IDF said the building the strike targeted is in a civilian area but was not part of a camp for displaced Palestinians. It cited the IDF saying no Israeli hostages were held at the location.

Unverified reports from the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said at least 71 Palestinians were killed and 289 injured in the strike.

Long before the current war, Deif was wanted by the Israeli military and became infamous for his ability to elude capture or assassination. In December, Israel placed a $100,000 bounty on his head, the Times of Israel reported.

The strike comes as U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediators continue to work to narrow the distance between Israel and Hamas over a proposed deal for a three-phase cease-fire and hostage release plan in Gaza.

This is a developing story, more to come…

With Post Wires