New Evidence Suggests Death of Qassam Brigades Leader

Destruction at a site targeted by Israel in Mawasi near Khan Younis on July 13 as part of an operation targeting Qassam leader Mohammed Deif. (AFP)
Destruction at a site targeted by Israel in Mawasi near Khan Younis on July 13 as part of an operation targeting Qassam leader Mohammed Deif. (AFP)
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New Evidence Suggests Death of Qassam Brigades Leader

Destruction at a site targeted by Israel in Mawasi near Khan Younis on July 13 as part of an operation targeting Qassam leader Mohammed Deif. (AFP)
Destruction at a site targeted by Israel in Mawasi near Khan Younis on July 13 as part of an operation targeting Qassam leader Mohammed Deif. (AFP)

Hamas sources have indicated that new evidence points to the assassination of Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades. Israel had previously claimed responsibility for Deif’s death, though Hamas initially denied it.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, sources close to Deif confirmed that contact with him was lost following an Israeli attack on July 13, 2024, which targeted both Deif and Rafah Salameh, a Qassam commander in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.

The sources said a partial body believed to be Deif's was found at the strike site days after the attack, though severe damage made identification difficult. Samples were taken from the body, and it was later buried in Khan Younis.

Tests on these samples reportedly confirmed the remains likely belonged to Deif, but disfigurement left some doubt among his family and associates.

However, after prolonged silence and a complete communication cutoff, Qassam leaders are now convinced Deif was killed.

The delay in confirming Deif’s death, the sources explained, was due to security challenges and limited communication options. Known for his secrecy, Deif was often called "the man of the shadows," which complicated efforts to verify his fate.

Sources say two people, including a “courier” who carried messages between Qassam Brigades leaders, were questioned on suspicion of helping Israel locate Deif and Salameh.

The courier, a Rafah resident, reportedly worked with another messenger from Khan Younis who knew Salameh’s locations and regularly delivered messages to him.

Details on the investigation or whether these individuals were linked to the assassination have not been disclosed.

The July 13 attack, which involved a series of intense airstrikes, killed nearly 90 Palestinians in Khan Younis.

Hours after the strikes, sources confirmed the death of Salameh, the Khan Younis brigade commander, who was buried by relatives and Qassam members. Reports suggested Israel used 2,000-pound bombs in the operation.

Hamas has repeatedly denied Deif’s death, insisting he is alive and still commands the Qassam Brigades. However, Israel has consistently maintained he was killed, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant officially announcing his death on Aug. 1.



Aoun Condemns Attempts to Drag Lebanon Anew into Violence

FILED - 17 January 2025, Lebanon, Baabda: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a press conference at Baabda Palace. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 17 January 2025, Lebanon, Baabda: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a press conference at Baabda Palace. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
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Aoun Condemns Attempts to Drag Lebanon Anew into Violence

FILED - 17 January 2025, Lebanon, Baabda: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a press conference at Baabda Palace. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 17 January 2025, Lebanon, Baabda: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a press conference at Baabda Palace. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned on Saturday Israel’s attempts to drag Lebanon once again into the endless “spiral of violence”, following Israeli claims that it had intercepted three missiles launched from south Lebanon.
A statement released by the Lebanese Presidency said that Aoun called for "avoiding any repercussions and ensuring control over any violations that could endanger the nation during these sensitive times."
Aoun has directed the Army Commander, General Rodolphe Haikal, to “take all necessary field measures to ensure the safety of citizens and conduct investigations regarding the incident”, added the statement.
Also in a statement, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, asked the Lebanese military to take all necessary measures in the south, but said the country did not want to return to war.
He reaffirmed that “only the state holds the authority to decide on matters of war and peace."
The Prime Minister also contacted Janine Plasschaert, the UN Secretary-General's Personal Representative in Lebanon, during which he urged the United Nations to "intensify international pressure on Israel to fully withdraw from the occupied Lebanese territories”.
He emphasized that Israel’s “occupation violates UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire arrangements established by the previous government in November, to which Lebanon remains committed".

On Saturday, Israeli artillery and airstrikes hit south Lebanon after Israel said it had intercepted rockets fired from across the border, a clash endangering a shaky truce that ended a year-long war between Israel and Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

That conflict marked the deadliest spillover of the Gaza war, rumbling across the border for months before escalating into a blistering Israeli offensive that wiped out Hezbollah's top commanders, many of its fighters and much of its arsenal.