[Seoul Shinmun Now News]
The Israeli authorities reportedly postponed airstrikes on a southern region of Gaza called Khan Yunis for several weeks.
According to Time of Israel (TOI) and New information from New York Times (NYT) on the 15th, the Israeli military had been monitoring a villa in the Al-Mawas to watch for any signs of Hamas leader Raafat Salame’s activities.
Salame, the Hamas Khan Yunis unit commander, had been residing in the villa with his family, and Hamas second-in-command Muhammad Deif was predicted to visit the location. The Israeli authorities had been delaying the airstrike plans anticipating Deif’s visit.
The Israeli intelligence received reports of Deif’s appearance at Salame’s villa on the 12th. The information was promptly conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading to the approval of the airstrike on the location.
Israeli aircraft were dispatched after further signs of Deif’s presence on the morning of the 13th. At least five US-made precision-guided bombs were dropped.
The Israeli military and Shin Bet issued a statement on the 14th that Salame was killed in the airstrike. Describing him as one of Deif’s closest aides, they noted Salame’s involvement in the 2023 Israeli raid and coordination of rocket launches from Khan Yunis into Israeli territories. The statement indicated a substantial blow to Hamas’ military capabilities.
Hamas denied reports of Deif’s injuries, while Israeli officials expressed that Deif was likely killed but confirmation was pending. They believed that Hamas might conceal the truth if Deif had indeed died.
Despite the presence of multiple Hamas fighters, including Deif and Salame’s security personnel during the airstrike, images from the scene displayed bodies of children and elderly individuals. Hamas Health Ministry reported at least 90 fatalities and 300 injuries, with about half being women and children. The Gaza Health Ministry stated it does not distinguish between combatants and civilians.
Israeli officials anticipated minimal civilian casualties due to the precision nature of the attack on Hamas-controlled targets.
The impact of this airstrike on ceasefire talks aimed at releasing Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza remains uncertain.
Though a report cited an anonymous Hamas official claiming the suspension of talks, Hamas political bureau member Izat Al-Rishq refuted it with a statement on the 14th.
Analysts predict some delays in negotiations between Israel and Hamas but believe Hamas will ultimately engage in talks.
Izhaikmar Abu Sada, a political science professor at Gaza Al-Azhar University affiliated with Palestinian Fatah, Hamas’ main political rival, pointed out that Hamas is in a weakened position militarily and has not fared well in the past 9 months. Hamas will have no choice but to return to the negotiation table.