Mohammed Deif, widely regarded as “el-Deif” or “Ben mavet” by the Israelis, is a prominent figure within Hamas and holds the position of the supreme commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.
He has been a prime focus of Israeli security services for more than three decades due to his central role in Hamas’s military operations. Deif’s journey with Hamas began in the late 1980s, following his leadership role in the Muslim Brotherhood’s Student Union.
Born in 1960 in the Khan Younès refugee camp, Deif’s early years were marked by involvement in activities aimed at advancing the Palestinian cause.
During his tenure as the head of military operations for Hamas, which began in 2002, Deif oversaw significant advancements in the group’s capabilities. Notably, under his command, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades developed and employed more sophisticated rocket technology and initiated ground incursions from the Gaza Strip through a network of underground tunnels.
His leadership is associated with a series of attacks against Israeli civilians, including suicide bombings during the mid-1990s and from 2000 to 2006.
His various aliases, such as Mohammed Diab, Mohammed al-Masri, or Abou Khaled, reflect his propensity to frequently change his location and identity, which has made him a difficult target for Israeli security forces. Deif’s adaptability and mastery of clandestine tactics have allowed him to evade multiple assassination attempts.
In 2002, 2003, and 2006, he narrowly escaped death. The most notable of these attempts resulted in severe injuries, and while Israeli officials have suggested paraplegia, the extent of his physical condition remains unconfirmed as Hamas has not provided specific details.
In a tragic turn of events in 2014, Deif’s wife and two of their children were killed during an Israeli airstrike on their residence in the northwestern part of Gaza City. This incident marked a deeply personal and devastating loss for Deif.
The enigmatic figure of Mohammed Deif has been associated with an unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Palestinian resistance movement.
Although the most recent photograph of him dates back to 1989, his legacy within Hamas and his influence on the organization’s military strategies continue to loom large in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
