Israeli media say Hamas military leader believed killed in airstrike

The leader of Hamas' military wing is believed to be among the victims of an airstrike that the Hamas-run health authority in Gaza say killed at least 71 people and injured hundreds, Israeli media reported on Saturday.

The Haaretz newspaper said army sources believe Mohammed Deif, head of the al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in the attack, which Hamas said hit the al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in central Gaza.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said the strike targeted Deif, along with Hamas' military leader in the central city of Khan Younis, Rafa Salama. They have not yet confirmed whether the pair, considered "masterminds of the massacre on October 7," were killed.

The IDF said the strike "was carried out in a fenced-in area controlled by Hamas and where, according to [IDF] information, only Hamas terrorists and no civilians were present."

"It was a precise attack. It is estimated that most of the victims were also terrorists who were with Deif and Salama," it added.

The IDF said the target zone was an open area surrounded by trees, several buildings and barracks, with no tents nearby. According to Palestinian reports, the strike hit tents housing displaced people.

None of the reports could be independently verified.