News - Middle East: The Political Bureau of Ansarullah issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Mohammed Deif, the leader of Al-Qassam's General Staff, describing his death as a significant loss to the nation.

The bureau praised Deif and his comrades for their valor in defending the honor of the nation and its sacred sites, hailing their struggle as a major victory for the Palestinian resistance.

“The blood of the martyr leaders is the torch of the resistance,” the statement read, emphasizing that their sacrifices would continue to fuel the fight until the Zionist entity is dismantled.

The Political Bureau of Ansarullah reaffirmed that the sacrifices made by the Palestinian resistance would only strengthen their resolve and determination to continue the struggle until victory and liberation are achieved.

Furthermore, the bureau expressed unwavering support for Hamas and other Palestinian factions, pledging to stand by them through all challenges until final victory.

Media outlets had reported Deif’s death, but the announcement Thursday is the first official acknowledgment from Hamas of the senior leader’s demise.

Israel initially announced in August 2024 that Deif had been killed in a July airstrike, but his death had not been confirmed since.

Abu Obeida said the announcement came only after completing necessary procedures, addressing security concerns dictated by battlefield conditions and verifying details.

He noted that the group had previously announced the deaths of Ghandour and Nofal during Israel’s genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Deif's deputy, Issa, was instrumental in Hamas's military strategies. Tama’a, responsible for overseeing the organization's weapons in Gaza, previously served as the head of the Central Camps Brigade of Hamas. 

Thabet was considered among the top ten most senior Hamas military commanders, while Salama was known for his close association with Deif and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar who was killed in combat in Gaza in October.