Hamas’ Deif’s Status Unknown Amid Online Speculation
Hamas Silent on El Deif Strike
Recent developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict have prompted diverse reactions and speculations. Notably, Hamas has not issued any statements regarding the recent Israeli strike targeting Mohammed Deif, a senior leader of the organization. Online sources from Al-Quds and the Al-Qassam Brigades have also refrained from addressing Deif’s status, maintaining their typical narrative about the ongoing conflict.
Official Statements and Speculations
A senior Hamas official, speaking to AFP, asserted that Mohammed Deif is “fine” and continues to oversee military operations. In a related X thread, it was revealed that Hamas has decided to “halt Gaza truce talks” in response to what they describe as Israeli “massacres” and their stance in the negotiations.
Some sources speculate that the recent Hamas attacks are retaliatory actions following the Israeli strike aimed at Deif. The Al-Quds Brigades, via their military media Telegram channel, reported bombing Israeli positions in Al-Abd Jabr, Al-Tu’ama, and Burj Al-Assi. They also utilized Ababil projectiles and heavy-caliber mortar shells at the Abu Oreiban site near the Netzarim axis. Additionally, the airport and border crossing of Rafah were targeted by the Al-Quds Brigades. Clashes and bombardments persisted the following day.
A video published by Hamas military media, showing the Al-Quds Brigades in action, includes text stating: “Al-Quds Brigades, in conjunction with the Ansar Brigades, bombed the outposts around the Gaza Strip.”
To 17th July, Hamas’s Telegram channels, which serve as the primary means of communication for the group, are continuing their regular activities.
Israeli Response
Israel has yet to confirm the success of their strike. The head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) called the operation “the result of a pinpointed-intelligence plan” and mentioned that Israeli forces had killed 25 terrorists involved in the October 7 events. On July 16, The Times of Israel reported that the IDF is increasingly confident that Deif perished in the strike.
Online Sentiments
Hamas has long mythologized Mohammed Deif, elevating him to a near-legendary status. This image serves to honor Deif and bolster the resolve of Hamas supporters, providing a heroic figure to rally around.
A social media post on platform X, formerly known as Twitter, romanticized a dialogue between Deif and his wife, garnering nearly 16,000 views. Reactions to the post revealed warm sentiments towards Deif, with many praising his leadership and strategic skills. Comments described him as a “faceless phantom” in Palestine, known as the “angel of death” to Israelis, and credited him with masterminding the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation.
This social media post on platform X, formerly known as Twitter, depicting a romanticized dialogue between Deif and his wife, gained almost 16,000 views. (Source: X)
Reactions to this post also revealed warm sentiments towards Mohammed Deif. Many comments praised his leadership and resilience, highlighting his strategic acumen and dedication to his cause:
Translation from Farsi: “Muhammad Deif, may God protect him, is a faceless phantom in the occupied territories of Palestine, known to no one by appearance and without any trace. He is known only as the angel of death for Israelis! The architect of Gaza’s mysterious underground tunnels, the astute commander of the al-Qassam Brigades, and the mastermind behind the unprecedented “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation”
WNM provides screenshots of the X posts with no usernames for privacy of the authors
However, not all responses were supportive. One comment linked Deif’s possible fate with the notion of liberation from Hamas control.
The silence from Hamas regarding the strike targeting Mohammed Deif has left room for speculation and various interpretations. Official sources within Hamas insist that Deif is unharmed and continues to lead their military operations. This assertion has been reinforced by statements made to international media and through their social media channels. However, the lack of concrete evidence and the vagueness surrounding Deif’s status have fueled rumors and doubts.
On the ground, the conflict has intensified, with Hamas launching a series of retaliatory attacks against Israeli positions. These attacks have targeted multiple strategic locations, indicating a coordinated and sustained response. The Israeli defense establishment, meanwhile, remains cautiously optimistic about the success of their strike, although they have yet to provide definitive proof of Deif’s demise. This ambiguity serves to heighten tensions and maintain a state of uncertainty that benefits neither side.
The online landscape further complicates the narrative. Hamas has effectively used social media to mythologize Mohammed Deif, portraying him as an almost superhuman figure whose resilience and strategic genius inspire their followers. This myth-making serves a dual purpose: it bolsters morale among supporters and perpetuates Deif’s legacy as a symbol of resistance. Yet, social media also reveals a spectrum of opinions, with some voices critical of Deif and Hamas, reflecting a broader and more nuanced public sentiment.
In summary, the current situation underscores the complexity of the Israel-Hamas conflict. The ambiguity surrounding Mohammed Deif’s fate highlights the challenges in obtaining clear and reliable information in a warzone. Both sides continue to engage in a fierce battle, not only on the ground but also in the realm of public perception and propaganda. As the conflict drags on, the narratives constructed by both Israel and Hamas will play a crucial role in shaping the international community’s understanding and response to these events.
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