The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat revealed today (Sunday) new details about the intelligence that led to the elimination of Mohammed Deif, one head of Hamas’s military wing. According to Palestinian sources, critical information was obtained from Gazan detainees held at a temporary detention facility at the Sde Teiman base, many of whom are relatives of senior Hamas members.
The report claims that the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) was able to obtain recent photos of Deif and Ra’fat Salameh, the commander of Hamas’s Khan Younis Brigade, through the interrogation of these detainees. The information included details about locations frequented by the senior figures, including the compound where they were ultimately targeted.
The report notes that the images provided by the detainees confirmed prior intelligence held by the Shin Bet, and some of the information came in the form of video footage. Moreover, the intelligence gathered not only helped in the elimination of Hamas leaders but also in locating the bodies of hostages and identifying explosives and ambushes during ground operations.
According to estimates from Palestinian prisoner organizations, the number of detainees from the Gaza Strip exceeds 6,000 individuals. Palestinian sources claim that the information provided by these prisoners allowed Israel to set ambushes for terrorists who were either eliminated or captured in the Gaza Strip.
This revelation underscores the critical importance of human intelligence in military operations in Gaza.
