Israeli Strike Targets Hamas Commander, Kills at Least 90 in Gaza

Israel targeted Hamas' elusive military commander in a significant strike on Saturday in southern Gaza, resulting in at least 90 deaths, including children, according to local health officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that there is still no absolute certainty that Mohammed Deif and another Hamas commander, Rafa Salama, were killed.

The Israeli military described the strike as precise, hitting a fenced area in Khan Younis run by Hamas. An official said it was not a tent complex but an operational compound. The army claimed the compound belonged to Salama and additional terrorists hid among civilians.

Impact on Civilians

The Gaza Health Ministry reported 90 dead and at least 300 injured. Associated Press journalists counted over 40 bodies at Nasser Hospital. Witnesses described multiple strikes, with victims trapped under rubble and on roads. Ambulance and civil defence crews struggled to reach them.

Footage showed a large crater, charred tents, and burnt-out cars. Victims were transported on car hoods, donkey carts, and carpets. A Palestinian man said children were martyred, estimating seven or eight missiles hit the area. First responders were also targeted.

Cease-Fire Efforts

The strike occurred amid delicate cease-fire negotiations. Deif's death would be a major victory for Israel and a psychological blow to Hamas. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel will not end the war until Hamas' military capabilities are destroyed. Deif's death would be a significant step towards this goal.

Neighbouring Egypt condemned the strike, stating it complicates efforts for calm and cease-fire. The Foreign Ministry criticised the international community's silence and lack of action. Egyptian, Qatari, and US mediators are working to narrow gaps between Israel and Hamas over a proposed cease-fire and hostage release plan.

Humanitarian Crisis

More than 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been displaced from their homes. Palestinians have fled to coastal areas, sheltering mostly in tents with limited services or supplies. The overwhelming stench of blood filled hospitals, with many wounded treated on the floor due to a lack of cleaning products.

A UN spokesperson described harrowing scenes at the hospital: a baby covered in sand crying while receiving first aid, a motionless boy missing a shoe, and staff struggling without cleaning supplies. A 2-year-old child was thrown into the air by the blast; their mother was missing.

International Mediation

The US-backed proposal for a cease-fire includes an initial truce with limited hostage release and Israeli troop withdrawal from populated areas in Gaza. Negotiations would follow for a full hostage release in exchange for a permanent cease-fire and complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Netanyahu outlined four conditions: continuing the war until goals are achieved, returning as many hostages as possible in the first stage, preventing Hamas fighters' return to northern Gaza, and controlling arms smuggling through the Philadelphi corridor between Gaza and Egypt.

Hamas rejected claims that Deif was in the area during the strike, calling them false cover-ups for the massacre's scale. Deif 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.

The attack came after Hamas' October 7 assault on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and triggered the ongoing conflict. Since then, Israeli offensives have killed more than 38,400 people in Gaza and injured over 88,000 according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

The situation remains tense as both sides continue their operations amidst ongoing international mediation efforts aimed at achieving a cease-fire and resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.