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.



Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
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Baghdad Urges Washington to Prevent ‘Imminent’ Israeli Strikes

Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)
Sudani visiting a market in Baghdad on Thursday (Government media)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Thursday called on major powers to “exert greater efforts to end the war in Palestine and Lebanon.” Meanwhile, an Iraqi government official urged the United States to “prevent any attacks on the country,” referring to potential Israeli strikes.
During a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Al-Sudani stressed the importance of ensuring the conflict does not escalate “to a level that threatens regional and global stability.”
The Iraqi prime minister’s appeal comes amid reports suggesting that Israel may launch strikes on Iraq in retaliation for attacks by Iraqi armed factions targeting Israeli positions.
The Iraqi government is striving to assert its exclusive authority over weapons and war-related decisions. However, armed factions affiliated with the Axis of Resistance openly claim responsibility for near-daily rocket attacks on Israel. This has provided Israel with a justification for potentially targeting Iraqi territory, especially after it filed a complaint with the UN Security Council against six Iraqi factions and held Baghdad responsible for the attacks.
These factions have also openly declared their involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel in Lebanon and Gaza. The Iraqi government has been unable to take decisive action to halt the activities of these factions, which many believe could soon expose Iraq to an Israeli strike.
According to media reports, Washington has warned Baghdad that Israeli airstrikes on Iraq are “imminent” unless the Iraqi government curtails attacks by Iranian-backed factions on Israel. The Times of Israel cited sources indicating that the United States has “exhausted all means of pressure on Israel” and urged Iraq to act swiftly to prevent such attacks.
Despite repeated assurances from the Iraqi government—including its recent adoption of 12 measures by the National Security Council to counter Israeli threats and complaints—the situation remains tense. These measures include monitoring Iraq’s western borders, preventing factions from launching attacks, and maintaining Iraq’s neutrality in the ongoing conflict.
On Wednesday, Abu Hussein Al-Hamidawi, Secretary-General of Kata’ib Hezbollah, made a striking statement on the role of resistance factions in the war and their commitment to the Unity of Fronts doctrine frequently mentioned by Axis of Resistance groups.
In an interview published by the faction’s media arm, Al-Hamidawi said: “The continuity of the Unity of Fronts concept depends on what the Lebanese Hezbollah decides.”
Al-Hamidawi also emphasized that resistance factions are constantly coordinating internally and with external partners such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian resistance leaders.
“We aim to ensure that the Palestinian people are not left alone and that the Unity of Fronts remains intact,” he stated.
Fadi Al-Shammari, a political advisor to Sudani, reiterated that Israel’s threats “are not new,” citing the recent complaint filed by Israel with the UN Security Council as part of its pattern of issuing threats.
In media statements, Al-Shammari reaffirmed the Iraqi government’s long-standing position: “The decision of war and peace lies solely with the Iraqi government.”
He noted that the factions’ attacks are being launched from areas outside Iraq’s borders, specifically from Syria. However, he stressed that the Iraqi government is working through its security and military agencies to prevent Iraq from becoming a battlefield for external or internal parties.
Al-Shammari also called on the United States to fulfill its responsibilities under the Strategic Framework Agreement and security pact with Iraq, emphasizing the need to deter and respond to any external attacks that threaten Iraq’s internal security.