Hamas confirms killing of its military leader, months after airstrike

IDF handout image shows Leader of Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, Mohammed Deif

FILE PHOTO: Picture said to show leader of Hamas' military wing, known as Al-Qassam Brigades (L), Mohammed Deif (R) in a location given as Gaza Strip in this handout picture released on January 7, 2024. Israel Defense Forces/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

Source: Handout

Hamas' armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, on Thursday confirmed the killing of its military leader Mohammed Deif and deputy military commander Marwan Issa in combat.

In August, the Israeli military announced it had killed Deif in an airstrike in Gaza's Khan Younis area.

Deif and Issa, who Israel also announced it killed in March, were believed to have masterminded Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel that triggered the war in Gaza.

Deif was an elusive figure who had a long and secretive career in the Palestinian group and had been sought by Israel for decades.

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

RSF index reveals that press freedom gaps widened globally in 2025

Al-Qassam Brigades also announced the death of other three senior members of its general military council, the group's spokesperson Abu Ubaida said in a recorded speech.

This article was produced by Reuters news agency. It has not been edited by Global South World.

By Reuters