In a series of powerful airstrikes, the Israeli military launched an attack in southern Gaza, resulting in the death of more than 70 Palestinians and leaving countless others wounded. The strikes targeted the city of Khan Younis and the nearby area of al-Muwasi, which had been designated as a humanitarian safe zone by the Israeli military.

According to witnesses and the Gaza Health Ministry, many of those killed were civilians, raising concerns about the heavy toll inflicted on innocent lives. The strike comes as part of ongoing Israeli air operations aimed at Hamas, which have repeatedly resulted in civilian casualties.

The Israeli military indicated that their target was the head of the Hamas military wing, Mohammed Deif. However, there is no immediate information available regarding his status. The attack also allegedly targeted another senior Hamas commander, Rafah Salameh.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, an Israeli military official stated that the strike hit an "operational compound" surrounded by trees, small buildings, and sheds, which made it challenging to gather surveillance. The Israeli military is currently assessing the situation and has not provided any updates on the status of Deif.

In response to the Israeli attack, Hamas released a statement accusing Israel of making "false claims" to conceal the extent of the casualties. The statement did not mention Deif. Currently, the two top Hamas figures in Gaza are Yahya Sinwar, the political leader, and Deif, who runs the military arm, the al-Qassam Brigades.

Israel has implicated Sinwar and Deif as the key figures responsible for orchestrating the October 7 assault on southern Israel, leading to over 1,200 casualties and the capture of more than 200 hostages. This attack ignited the ongoing war in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of over 38,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Mohammed Deif, known for his elusive nature, has led Hamas' military wing for over two decades, surviving multiple attempts on his life by Israeli forces. He was previously imprisoned by Israel but was released in the early 1990s. Deif's reputation stems from his role as a bomb-maker and his contribution to the development of Hamas' rockets, capable of reaching Tel Aviv from Gaza.

Throughout the years, Deif has faced numerous injuries, including the loss of an eye. In a tragic incident in 2014, his wife and two of their children were killed in an Israeli airstrike intended for Deif.

Dubbed "Deif" which means "guest" in Arabic, he is believed to frequently change locations to evade Israeli pursuit, making it difficult for authorities to keep track of him.

The latest Israeli airstrikes in southern Gaza have intensified the already grave humanitarian crisis in the region, further escalating the tensions between Israel and Hamas. The world waits anxiously for updates on Mohammed Deif's status and hopes for an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued this volatile region for too long.