Hamas has confirmed the death of its military chief, Mohammed Deif, who was reportedly killed by Israel's military in July of last year. Israel claimed responsibility for Deif's death at that time, but Hamas had not verified it until now.
Israel attributed Deif's involvement in planning the 7 October attacks in southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and 251 individuals being taken hostage.
Deif, seen as the second-ranking Hamas official in Gaza after Yahya Sinwar, who was also killed by Israeli forces last year, was instrumental in constructing tunnels used by Hamas fighters to enter Israel and was credited with developing the Qassam rocket.
Hamas, in a recent statement, confirmed the deaths of both Mohammed Deif and deputy military commander Marwan Issa. Issa, who was considered one of Israel's most-wanted men, was identified by the EU as being directly linked to the 7 October attack.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas's attack on Israel in 2023, resulted in a 15-month Israeli military offensive that claimed the lives of over 47,460 Palestinians in Gaza. A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel commenced on 19 January, leading to the release of 15 Israeli hostages and around 400 Palestinian prisoners, who have returned to various locations or been deported for more serious offenses.