The Israeli army confirms that the target of its strike on city of Khan Younis in the Gaza Strip was the leader of the militant wing of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas, Mohammed al-Deif, reported The Times of Israel.
In addition to him, the target of the attack is the commander of the Hamas forces in Khan Younis, Rafia Salama, the publication notes. According to his military sources, al-Deif and Salama were hiding in a building in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis “in a civilian environment” and it is believed that “dozens of others” were there at the time of the strike.
The Israel Defense Forces have yet to make any official statements regarding this strike. According to The Times of Israel, the military is still awaiting confirmation of the killing of al-Deif and Salama.
Meanwhile, the head of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Yoav Galant, held an operational meeting with the leadership of the army and intelligence services “in light of recent events in the Gaza Strip“, the minister's press service reported.