Hamas commander Salameh killed in Israeli airstrike that took 90 lives, IDF claims
File photo of Rafa'a Salameh, the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade of Hamas
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed on Sunday (July 14) the death of Rafa'a Salameh, the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade of Hamas, in a targeted airstrike in southern Gaza.
"Acting upon information from the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Bet, fighter jets attacked in the Khan Younis area and killed Rafa’a Salameh, the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade of the Hamas terrorist organization," the IDF announced on X.
Salameh was known to be a close associate of Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas's military wing who Israel says is one of the masterminds behind the October 7 massacre in southern Israel andwas also targeted in the airstrikes on Saturday.
The IDF claims Salameh was involved in attacks against Israel, including the kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006 and the construction of extensive tunnel networks in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.
"Salameh’s death constitutes significant damage to the military capabilities of the Hamas terrorist organization," the IDF stated.
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IDF strike that killed Rafa'a Salameh
The targeted strike took place near the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone and Khan Younis
Hamas sources cited by multiple media platforms confirmed Salameh's death but did not say much about Deif’s status.
A top Hamas official, meanwhile, told AFP on Sunday that Deif was "fine" and continued to oversee the group's armed wing despite the attack.
Also watch |Israel-Hamas war: Israel targets aimed at Hamas military chief hit tent housing in Khan Younis
Israeli media reported mixed assessments of Deif's condition.
Kan News indicated that security officials believe Deif was wounded, while Ynet cited IDF intelligence suggesting that "dozens" of bodies were taken to Deir al-Balah’s Al Aqsa Hospital following the strike.
Mohammed Deif, aged 58, holds a significant position in Hamas as the head of its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, and is second only to Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.
According to Israel, both men were key in the planning and execution of the October 7 attack that resulted in over a thousand Israeli casualties.
The strike marks a continued effort by Israel to dismantle the leadership of Hamas and curb its military capabilities.
IDF's Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi saidit was too early to determine whether Deif was killed in the airstrike in southern Gaza, but added that the Hamas terror group is attempting to hide the results of the attack, reported the Times of Israel.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.