The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted today, Saturday, that he issued a permanent directive to eliminate senior Hamas officials. The office explained that the Prime Minister was updated on all developments during the night and continues to receive regular updates.
Netanyahu is set to conduct a situation assessment with security and military officials to discuss developments and next steps. Israeli media reported that the Air Force conducted intensive strikes on several locations in Khan Younis aimed at eliminating the commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Mohammed Deif.
Israeli army radio indicated that "Deif was hiding above ground in the humanitarian area west of Khan Younis." It added that "Raef Salama, commander of the Khan Younis Brigade, was among the targets of the Israeli strike."
Israeli media quoted the Shin Bet as saying: "Mohammed Deif and Raef Salama were above ground during the attack in Khan Younis." It clarified: "We attempted to eliminate Deif, and assessments are that there were no hostages near him."
In turn, the Israeli newspaper Maariv reported that "security agencies are optimistic about the operation's results. It is known that the Shin Bet provided information during the night indicating that Deif had arrived at a tent complex in the Mawasi area and was hiding inside the complex."
It continued: "The Israeli army decided not to take risks and carried out a large-scale bombing campaign involving the dropping of dozens of tons of bombs from fighter jets." The newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth noted that "military officials believe Mohammed Deif sustained serious injuries in the attack."
