Increasing likelihood that mastermind behind October 7 massacre was eliminated in IDF strike
According to military sources, the main targets of the strike included Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas' military wing, and Rafah Salama, a senior organization member. Both are considered architects of the October 7 massacre.
Lilach Shoval
Israel Hayom
Jul 13, 2024
Mohammed Deif (left) the head of Hamas' military wing, and Rafah Salama, a senior organization member.
The IDF conducted a precise strike on a compound in the Muasi region in the Gaza Strip, used for Hamas terrorist organization activities. According to military sources, the central targets of the strike included Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas' military wing, and Rafah Salama, a senior organization member. Both are considered as part of the architects of the October 7 massacre.
Israeli officials estimate that many terrorists were present in the compound, but emphasize that according to their information, no Israeli hostages were present at the strike site.
The strike location in the Muasi region, situated in western Khan Younis, was in a populated civilian area. It is an open area characterized by dense vegetation and residential buildings. Hamas cynically exploits this civilian space, using the trees and topographical structure for its operational needs.
The strike resulted from combined intelligence efforts by the Shin Bet, Military Intelligence, and the Air Force, in cooperation with the Southern Command. It included striking several targets simultaneously using advanced operational methods.
The Israeli strike was based on highly precise intelligence received in the last 24 hours, enabling an immediate strike at a the specific compounds within the area, avoiding hits on tent complexes and civilian concentrations. Military officials estimate that a significant number of terrorists were killed in this strike. This operation highlights the complex challenge of fighting a terrorist organization situated close to a civilian population.
For years, the Shin Bet has been tracking senior Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip, with the General Security Service even leading the intelligence investigation to target the command and control levels of the terrorist organization, from mid-level and junior ranks to the highest-ranking officials.
However, the operational difficulty in reaching senior terrorists has increased during the war, as they behave like fugitives and sometimes hide within civilian populations. Nevertheless, when favorable conditions for a strike on a specific target are met, as seen on several occasions throughout the war, they are conducted while minimizing harm to non-combatants. So far, this method has successfully allowed the elimination of Marwan Issa, Ahmed Andour, and Ayman Nofal.
Saudi report: Hamas investigates "major breach" following strike
Meanwhile, Saudi network "Al-Hadath" reports that Mohammed Deif and several senior Hamas officials have moved from place to place multiple times in recent weeks to avoid being tracked. It was also reported that Israel arrested second- and third-tier Hamas officials and obtained information from them. Following the assassination attempt, Hamas halted all communications with its senior officials in the Gaza Strip.
The Saudi channel also reported that Israel obtained information from interrogated sources regarding the movements of senior Hamas officials between Rafah and Gaza. In this context, it was reported that the terrorist organization is investigating a "major breach" following the assassination attempt.
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