By Said Amori
JERUSALEM (AA) – Following an attack on camps with displaced Gazans that killed around 90 people and injured hundreds, Israel’s defense minister on Saturday instructed the army to continue targeted attacks on Hamas leaders and step up operational readiness in all “combat zones.”
In a security assessment meeting following the attack on Al-Mawasi west of Khan Younis, Yoav Gallant ordered “the continuation of targeted operations against Hamas leaders and increased operational readiness in all combat zones,” the state-run broadcasting authority reported.
The meeting was attended by Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet security service head Ronen Bar, and other senior security officials, according to the authority.
Following the deadly attack, daily Israel Hayom claimed, without providing any evidence, that the main goal of the airstrike was to eliminate Mohammed Deif, commander-in-chief of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing.
“It is estimated that there is a high likelihood that Deif was injured in the attack, but military officials are awaiting the outcome,” it added.
Israeli Army Radio claimed the attack targeted an "important figure" in Hamas, but with the outcome unknown.
But Hamas said in a statement that Israeli media claims it targeted Deif are "unfounded."
It added that the Israeli allegations are meant “to cover up the scale of the horrific massacre the (Israeli) occupation has committed.”
Israel, flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire, has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas.
More than 38,400 Palestinians have since been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 88,500 injured, according to local health authorities.
Over nine months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.
Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, whose latest ruling ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on May 6.
*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala