Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced on Thursday that its General Commander, Mohammad Deif, has been killed.
In a televised statement, the group’s spokesperson, Abu Ubaida, said that six other members of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ military council were also killed along with Deif.
Among the deceased are his deputy, Marwan Issa, and senior commanders Ghazi Abu Tamah, Raed Thabit, Rafi Salama, Ahmad Ghundour, and Ayman Nofal.
Abu Ubaida noted that Hamas had previously announced the deaths of Ahmad Ghundour, the commander of the North Gaza Brigade, and Ayman Nofal, the commander of the Central Brigade, during Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
He added that the announcement was made after completing necessary procedures and verifying the details, addressing security concerns dictated by the battlefield conditions.
This statement follows reports from more than seven months ago when the Israeli army claimed to have assassinated Deif in Gaza. While media outlets had reported his death earlier, this is the first official confirmation from Hamas regarding the senior leader’s demise.