Israel Also Confirmed Another Hamas Chief Was Killed in July Strike
JERUSALEM (AP) — In a significant development amid ongoing tensions in the region, the Israeli military confirmed on Thursday that Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas’ military wing, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza back in July. This announcement follows closely behind a recent Israeli strike in Tehran that resulted in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ top political leader. The speed at which these events unfolded has left mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar racing to salvage cease-fire negotiations in Gaza, a territory already suffering enormously from the ongoing conflict.
Escalating Tensions and Strategic Shifts
The recent wave of violence, beginning with the assassination of Haniyeh and the confirmation of Deif's death, poses a critical juncture for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These developments could provide Netanyahu with a political off-ramp, allowing him to pivot from his previous declarations of “total victory” in the conflict, while showcasing to the Israeli public that their military efforts have dealt severe blows to Hamas' leadership structure.
Reflecting on the severity of the conflict, the White House announced that Netanyahu was expected to speak with President Joe Biden later on Thursday. In his statements, Netanyahu emphasized, “Deif’s death enforces a simple principle that we have established: whoever hurts us, we hurt them.” He further asserted that Israel would impose a heavy price on those who engage in acts of aggression against the nation.
However, the recent assassinations have also placed Netanyahu in a precarious political position. With far-right coalition partners threatening to withdraw support should he seek to halt the ongoing military activities, there is a palpable tension between military objectives and diplomatic necessity. Economic Minister Bezalel Smotrich proclaimed that “the defeat of Hamas is closer than ever,” while reiterating the government’s commitment to ongoing military efforts until all hostages are rescued and security restored.
Implications for Future Negotiations
The uncertainty surrounding negotiations has grown significantly. Hamas has yet to acknowledge or deny Deif’s reported death, and Izzat al-Risheq, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, stated that confirmation lies within the military's purview. The loss of both Haniyeh and Deif leaves Hamas at a strategic crossroads, potentially impacting their approach in ongoing cease-fire discussions.
Israel’s military has assessed that both Deif and Yahya Sinwar, the primary Hamas leader in Gaza, were the chief architects behind the deadly October 7 attacks that resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in southern Israel. While Sinwar remains at large, the elimination of two top figures may embolden an Israeli stance that pursues more aggressive terms in negotiations with Hamas, potentially leading to their entrenchment rather than compromise.
Humanitarian Concerns Amid Military Actions
As the Israeli military continues its campaign, the humanitarian toll mounts. Recent airstrikes, including one that hit a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza City, reported at least 15 casualties and left numerous others wounded. This attack drew sharp criticism, as witnesses described scenes of chaos and destruction. “Now I'm back to fearing the next time this will happen,” lamented a local resident, echoing the desperation of many Palestinians who have endured disproportionate suffering throughout the conflict.
The Health Ministry in Gaza reports staggering figures, with approximately 39,480 Palestinians killed, and more than 91,100 others injured since the onset of hostilities. Displacement has reached critical levels, with over 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents now homeless. As the region observes 300 days since the commencement of the war, voices crying for peace resonate throughout the territory, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution.
International Implications and Responses
The recent assassinations have raised alarms internationally, with diplomats urging caution to prevent escalation into broader regional conflict. Following the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran, Iranian officials expressed their outrage and hinted at potential retribution against Israel. The killing of another high-profile figure, Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur, in Beirut has similarly intensified tensions and cast a long shadow of uncertainty over the fragile geopolitical landscape.
Egyptian officials have reported strained communications with U.S. counterparts as they seek to mediate the situation. Iranian and Qatari officials have also voiced frustration, questioning the efficacy of mediation when one party engages in targeted killings of key figures on the opposing side. The stakes have become alarmingly high, as discussions hint at an impending prison break should retaliations escalate, further complicating the possibility of a cease-fire agreement.
In summary, the confirmation of Deif's death amplifies the ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation that has gripped the region, underlining the fragility of peace and the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. As Netanyahu faces mounting political pressure and international scrutiny, the quest for a resolution remains as uncertain as ever. The effects of these latest developments will ripple through the negotiations, leaving observers to wonder whether true peace could be on the horizon or if further escalation is inevitable.