A Hamas official stated that the overall commander of the al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the movement, Mohammed Deif, is alive and well after an Israeli attempt to target him yesterday, Saturday.

The official added in statements to Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Sunday morning that the movement has decided to suspend its participation in the Gaza truce talks.

Earlier, the Deputy Chairman of Hamas in Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, denied the occupation's rumors about the possibility of targeting Deif, confirming that "the claim is a ridiculous justification for killing women and children and every Palestinian whether in Gaza, the West Bank, or anywhere else."

In televised statements, al-Hayya addressed Netanyahu: "Mohammed Deif hears you now and is mocking your false statements."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed yesterday evening, Saturday, that "the airstrike against the tents of the displaced in the Mawasi area of Khan Younis in southern Gaza targeted al-Qassam Brigades leader Mohammed Deif and his deputy Ra'ed Salameh," noting that he "does not know Deif's fate."