Thu Jan 30 23:30:09 UTC 2025: ## Hamas Confirms Deaths of Top Military Leaders in Israeli Strikes
**GAZA CITY** – The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, has confirmed the deaths of its military chief, Mohammed Deif, and deputy chief of staff, Marwan Issa, in Israeli strikes. The announcement, made by Al-Qassam spokesperson Abu Obeida, vowed that the resistance would continue despite the losses.
While Israel had previously claimed Deif’s death in July 2023 and again on August 1, 2024, this is the first confirmation from Hamas. Deif, considered the second-highest ranking Hamas official in Gaza after Yahya Sinwar (also killed by Israeli forces last year), was a key figure in planning the October 7, 2023 attacks on southern Israel, which left over 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. He was known for his role in developing Hamas’s military capabilities, including the network of tunnels used in the October attacks and the Qassam rocket.
Issa, also a high-profile target for Israel, was previously reported killed by the US in March 2023. Both Deif and Issa were subject to International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued in May 2024.
The announcement comes amidst a complex aftermath following the October 7, 2023 attacks and the subsequent 15-month military offensive by Israel. The conflict, which resulted in over 47,460 Palestinian deaths according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, concluded with a ceasefire on January 19, 2024. Since then, 15 Israeli hostages have been released, along with 400 Palestinian prisoners.
The confirmation of Deif and Issa’s deaths raises concerns about the future of the conflict, although Hamas has pledged continued resistance. Further details surrounding the circumstances of their deaths have yet to be released.
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