Israeli Defense Forces have operated in the Gaza Strip for 263 days to achieve war objectives, eliminating a significant number of Hamas leaders and fighters. On Tuesday evening, the IDF reported it had eliminated and apprehended about 14,000 terrorists.

Among those killed were several high-ranking officers from Hamas’ military wing, including six brigade commanders, over 20 battalion commanders, and approximately 150 company commanders.

The IDF stated that half of Hamas’ military wing leadership has been eliminated, not including Mohammed Deif, whose death has not been confirmed. Israeli forces have struck about 37,000 targets from the air in Gaza, including over 25,000 terror infrastructure and launch sites.

Throughout the conflict, the IDF has faced challenges locating terrorists who use hospitals, schools, and humanitarian shelters as hiding places and bases for attacks. Hamas strategically places command centers, weapons depots, and makeshift manufacturing facilities in civilian locations.

The IDF emphasized that strikes against compromised infrastructure were conducted in accordance with international law. Recent reports suggest increasing belief within IDF leadership that Mohammed Deif was killed in a Saturday airstrike. According to military and security correspondent Ben Caspit, several of Deif’s bodyguards were present at the strike site, strongly indicating his presence there.

Preliminary information indicates a member of Yahya Sinwar’s family, possibly a brother, was killed in the strike. A Gaza source reported that the hospital in Khan Younis, where bodies were taken, has become a Hamas stronghold, tightly controlled by the group.

IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari confirmed the killing of Rafa’a Salameh, stating that he was together with Deif. Hagari accused Hamas of concealing the fate of its leaders and emphasized the continued pursuit of those responsible for recent attacks.