Mohammed Dhaif, the commander of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades, remains safe and continues to direct operations against Israeli forces, according to a senior Hamas official. This statement comes amid escalating violence following an Israeli airstrike on the al-Mawasi camp in southern Gaza, which resulted in over 100 Palestinian deaths and 300 injuries.
The Israeli military targeted the al-Mawasi camp on Saturday, claiming the strike aimed to eliminate Dhaif. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later expressed uncertainty regarding the commander's fate. In response, Hamas has firmly denied that Dhaif was the target, accusing Israel of attacking defenseless civilians instead.
"Commander Mohammed Dhaif is safe and directly in charge of military operations against Israeli forces," an unnamed Hamas official told AFP news agency on Sunday, dismissing Israel's assertions as false.
Dhaif, a key figure in Hamas, has been a prominent leader of the Qassam Brigades since the 1990s. Known for his strategic acumen, he has been a primary target for Israeli forces over the years but has evaded numerous assassination attempts.
The recent airstrike in al-Mawasi marks one of Israel's most severe attacks in Gaza in recent weeks, intensifying the conflict and drawing international attention to the ongoing strife. As the situation develops, both sides remain entrenched in a cycle of violence that continues to impact civilians and exacerbate regional tensions.
