Israel targets Hamas military chief; Gaza officials say at least 71 killed
USA TodayJul 21
Israel Says It Hit Hamas Military Leader, Strike Kills 90
story
Above: Smoke rises over the Gaza Strip after an Israeli bombardment, as seen from a position on the Israeli side of the border on July 3, 2024 in Southern Israel, Israel. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Israel said on Saturday that it had attempted to kill Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas' military wing, in a targeted strike. Health officials said the strike killed at least 90 Palestinians and wounded nearly 300 more in an area Israel declared a humanitarian zone.
Israel claimed that it had struck a compound being used by Rafa'a Salameh, the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade after Deif had visited the location. Israel said Salameh was killed in the strike but that it was "still too early to summarize the results of the attack" regarding Deif's status.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
This precision strike should thoroughly demonstrate to Hamas' leaders that their days are numbered. Sinwar will be forced to scramble as one of his main advisors has likely been neutralized. The group is now one step closer to defeat, and the military is effectively applying pressure on Hamas that will directly translate to further concessions in hostage talks.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel has provided no evidence that this strike targeted Deif, and it's more than likely that this was a desperate move to derail negotiations and score political points. Both a gas complex and a water desalination plant were hit, making it seem that Israel's real intention was to worsen the already bad humanitarian situation in Gaza. Such genocidal violence wouldn't be possible without shameful US support.
