In Muwasi, Gaza Strip, Hamas disclosed on Sunday that discussions for a Gaza ceasefire are ongoing, and their military commander, Mohammed Deif, is in good health. This update comes after an Israeli airstrike targeting Deif, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 90 individuals, including children.
Deif’s condition remains uncertain, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating on Saturday night that there is still no absolute confirmation of his death. Hamas representatives did not provide any evidence to support their claim about Deif’s health, who is known as a key figure behind the October 7 attack that initiated the conflict.
The Israeli military confirmed the death of Rafa Salama, a close associate of Deif and a commander within Hamas, in the same strike that targeted Deif. Salama led the Khan Younis brigade. Hamas dismissed any suggestion that ceasefire talks had halted following the airstrike, emphasizing that mediation efforts are continuing.
The potential death of Deif would represent a significant blow to Hamas and a major victory for Israel. Netanyahu conveyed that all Hamas leaders are targets and eliminating them could push Hamas towards agreeing to a ceasefire. Hamas stated that communication remains active between leaders inside and outside Gaza despite the strike.
Survivors from the attack expressed anger, as they had been under the impression that the area where the strike occurred was safe. Many questioned where they could seek safety, highlighting the challenges faced by displaced families. Over 300 individuals were injured in the strike, making it one of the deadliest incidents since the conflict began nine months ago.
In total, over 38,400 people in Gaza have lost their lives in Israeli ground offensives and bombings since the conflict’s inception. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, this includes both combatants and civilians. A UN official described the scenes at Nasser hospital as chaotic, with limited supplies available to treat victims of the recent strike.
Additionally, on Sunday, a Palestinian from East Jerusalem carried out a car-ramming attack in central Israel, injuring four Israelis, two of whom were seriously wounded. The attacker was shot and killed by Israeli border police at the scene. Israel’s Commissioner noted that such attacks are often influenced by events like the Gaza airstrike on Saturday.
