Israeli Airstrikes in Gaza Target Hamas Leaders, 71 Killed, 289 Injured

Jul 13, 2024, 10:32 AM

Israeli airstrikes targeted the coastal town of al-Mawasi near Khan Yunis in Southern Gaza, resulting in significant destruction and casualties. The strikes, which residents described as feeling like an earthquake, created a massive crater and reportedly eliminated a high-value target. Israeli defense sources indicated that the head of Hamas’s military wing, Mohammed Deif, and another senior Hamas official, Rafa’a Salameh, were likely killed in the operation. The attack, conducted with extensive intelligence from the Israel Defense Force and Shin Bet, led to an assessment meeting held by Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi and the head of Shin Bet. Initial indications suggest the operation was successful, although official verification is pending. Hamas officials have dismissed the Israeli claims as false justifications for the attack, which reportedly killed 71 people and injured 289 others. The Israeli military maintains that the operation targeted key Hamas leaders, with dozens killed in the strike.