Israel Confirms Death of Hamas Military Leader Mohammed Deif, Third High-Profile Target in Recent Weeks

Israel's military confirmed on Thursday the death of Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas' military wing, in an airstrike on July 13 in the Gaza Strip. Deif, believed to be one of the masterminds behind the October 7 terror attack on southern Israel, is the third high-profile Hamas or Iran-linked figure killed by Israel in recent weeks.

The announcement came as the funeral was held for Hamas' political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Iran on Wednesday. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called Deif's death "a significant milestone" in dismantling Hamas' military and governing authority in Gaza.

Hamas did not immediately comment on the Israeli announcement, which came as tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed "severe punishment" for Haniyeh's death, but did not elaborate.

The killing of Deif and Haniyeh has sparked fears of an all-out war in the Middle East, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken appealing for calm and a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. However, analysts say neither side wants full-scale escalation, and any response from Iran will likely be within the parameters of the ongoing shadow war.