Hamas confirms death of military chief

The military wing of Hamas, known as the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, said on January 30th that its long-serving chief of staff, Mohammed Deif had died, the Middle East Eye via Reuters reported.

For decades Deif had avoided Israeli capture and was described as a man who moves like a ghost which made him earn the nickname “The Guest” or “Deif” in Arabic.

Israel said it had killed the 59-year-old in an air strike in southern Gaza’s Mawasi during July, but at that point Hamas had not confirmed this.

In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant for his arrest on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Middle East Eye via Reuters