Israel Says It Hit Hamas Military Leader, Strike Kills 90 People

The Facts

• Israel said on Saturday that it had attempted to kill Mohammed Deif, the leader of Hamas' military wing, in a targeted strike. Health officials said the strike killed at least 90 Palestinians and wounded nearly 300 more in an area Israel declared a humanitarian zone.

• Israel claimed that it had struck a compound being used by Rafa’a Salameh, the commander of Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade, after Deif had visited the location. Israel said Salameh was killed in the strike but that it was “still too early to summarize the results of the attack" regarding Deif's status.

• Israel also claimed that several dozen Hamas operatives were in the area when it was targeted. Photos allegedly from the scene showed the bodies of children and elderly individuals. Israel has tried to assassinate Deif several times since he took over Hamas' military wing.