Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Saturday night that it remains unconfirmed whether Hamas commander Mohammed Deif and his deputy, Rafa’a Salameh, were killed in a Gaza strike earlier that day.
During a press conference at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said, “There is no absolute certainty yet that they were eliminated. However, I assure you that one way or another, we will reach the entire Hamas leadership.”
Deif, the second-in-command in Gaza after Yahya Sinwar, is the IDF’s top target following their role in planning and executing the October 7 massacre that killed over a thousand people in southern Israel. Deif, 58, leads Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, and has orchestrated several bus bombings in the 1990s and 2000s.
Netanyahu emphasized Deif’s culpability, stating, “Deif’s hands are soaked in the blood of many Israelis.” He also detailed the operational considerations discussed with Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) head Ronen Bar before approving the strike, ensuring no hostages were present, understanding collateral damage, and choosing appropriate munitions.
Deif and Salameh, the Khan Younis Brigade commander, were targeted in a building near the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone and Khan Younis. Hamas confirmed Salameh’s death but did not confirm or deny Deif’s death. A Hamas official told AFP on Sunday that Deif was “fine” and overseeing the group’s armed wing despite the assassination attempt.
