Israeli Strike Aimed at Hamas Commander Results in 90 Casualties in Gaza

Israel targeted Hamas' elusive military commander in a significant strike on Saturday in southern Gaza, killing at least 90 people, including children, according to local health officials. Hamas denied that Mohammed Deif was present in the area. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "there still isn't absolute certainty" that Deif and another Hamas commander, Rafa Salama, were killed.

The strike occurred in an area designated as safe for Palestinians by the military. Deif and Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' top official in Gaza, are believed by Israel to be the masterminds behind the October 7 attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in southern Israel. Deif has been on Israel's most-wanted list for years and has survived multiple assassination attempts.

Impact of the Strike

The Gaza Health Ministry reported 90 fatalities and at least 300 injuries from the attack, making it one of the deadliest incidents in the ongoing conflict. Associated Press journalists counted over 40 bodies at Nasser Hospital. Witnesses described multiple strikes during the attack.

"A number of victims are still under the rubble and on the roads, and ambulance and civil defence crews are unable to reach them," said the Health Ministry. The Israeli military claimed that "additional terrorists hid among civilians" and described the location as surrounded by trees and buildings.

Reactions and Consequences

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant instructed the military to increase "operational readiness on all fronts." Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not end the war until Hamas' military capabilities are destroyed, stating that Deif's death would be a significant step towards this goal.

However, Deif's killing could also harden Hamas' stance in negotiations. He has been in hiding for over two decades and is believed to be paralysed. Only a few people in Gaza would recognise him due to his long absence from public view.

In a statement, Hamas denied Deif's presence in the area: "These false claims are merely a cover-up for the scale of the horrific massacre." The strike took place in Muwasi, a designated safe zone stretching from northern Rafah to Khan Younis. Palestinians have sought refuge there, living mostly in tents with limited services.

Humanitarian Crisis

Footage showed a large crater, charred tents, and burnt-out cars. Victims were transported on car hoods, donkey carts, and carpets. "Children were all martyred here. We collected their pieces with our hands," said one Palestinian man who did not give his name. He estimated seven or eight missiles were involved and claimed first responders were also targeted.

At Nasser Hospital, a baby cried while receiving first aid, her face covered with sand. A small boy lay motionless nearby. Many wounded were treated on the floor due to overcrowding. Louise Wateridge from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees described "the overwhelming stench of blood" at the hospital.

Wateridge recounted how a blast threw a 2-year-old child into the air; the child's mother was still missing. Another boy lost his feet, while an 8-year-old boy was killed. His grieving mother said they had been told to go there for safety.

International Response

Neighbouring Egypt condemned the strike, stating it complicates efforts for a cease-fire. "These ongoing violations against Palestinian citizens add serious complications to the ability of the efforts currently being made to reach calm and a cease-fire," said Egypt's Foreign Ministry. It also criticised "the shameful silence and lack of action from the international community."

Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators are working to narrow gaps between Israel and Hamas over a proposed three-phase cease-fire and hostage release plan in Gaza. The US-backed proposal includes an initial cease-fire with limited hostage release and Israeli troop withdrawal from populated areas.

Israel launched its campaign in Gaza following Hamas' October 7 attack when militants stormed into southern Israel and abducted about 250 people. Since then, Israeli offensives have killed more than 38,400 people in Gaza and wounded over 88,000 according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue their operations amidst ongoing mediation efforts aimed at achieving a lasting cease-fire and resolving hostilities.