MUWASI, Gaza Strip (AP) — Hamas indicated on Sunday that talks for a Gaza cease-fire are ongoing and reassured that the group’s military commander, Mohammed Deif, is in good health despite an Israeli airstrike that was reported to have killed at least 90 people, including children.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement on Saturday night suggested uncertainty about Deif’s fate, and Hamas has not provided any evidence to confirm his current status. The Israeli military confirmed the death of Rafa Salama, a close associate of Deif, and a commander of Hamas’ Khan Younis brigade, in the same strike.
Despite the targeted attack, Hamas states that cease-fire discussions are still in progress and that communication channels between Gaza’s leadership remain open. However, the killing of Deif would constitute a significant blow to Hamas, and Israel sees it as a step towards achieving a cease-fire agreement.
Survivors of the strike expressed anger over the lack of warning in what was supposed to be a safe area. Witnesses described chaotic scenes at Nasser hospital, with many victims left untreated due to a scarcity of medical supplies. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised the pilots involved in the strike and asserted that Hamas’ capabilities are being degraded.
Israel’s military reported more casualties in a strike in Nuseirat in central Gaza, where at least 13 people were killed. Additionally, a car-ramming attack in central Israel injured four Israelis, with the attacker being shot dead by border police.
Lidman reported from Jerusalem. Associated Press writer Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed to this report.
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