Hamas has officially confirmed the death of its military chief, Mohammad Deif, in an Israeli airstrike. The announcement was made on Thursday by Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida, who released a video detailing the attack and the high-ranking casualties it caused.
Key Leaders Killed in the Strike
According to the Times of Israel, the airstrike not only eliminated Deif but also took the lives of several other senior Hamas commanders. The video statement revealed that among those killed were:
- Abu Tamaa, Deputy Commander of Hamas
- Rayad Thabet, Combat Support Chief
- Rafa Salameh, Military Wing Chief of Staff
- Ayman Nofal, Khan Yunis Brigade Commander
- Ahmed Gandour, Central and North Gaza Brigade Commander
Israel reported that the attack took place on July 23 of the previous year when it targeted the hideout of Brigade Commander Rafa Salameh in Khan Yunis, where Deif was also present.
Israel’s Persistent Pursuit of Deif
Israel had long considered Mohammad Deif one of its most elusive and dangerous adversaries. The country’s defense forces had attempted to eliminate him at least seven times, each time failing to do so. Due to his repeated escapes from assassination attempts, Deif became known as “the cat with nine lives.”
He was regarded as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack on Israel, which he dubbed Operation Al Aqsa Flood. His strategic role in planning and executing deadly attacks made him Israel’s most wanted target for decades.
Who Was Mohammad Deif?
Mohammad Deif had been leading Hamas’s military wing since 2002. Born in 1965 in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in Gaza—then under Egyptian control—he grew up witnessing the ongoing Palestinian struggle firsthand. His father was reportedly among those who infiltrated Israel with weapons in 1950.
From an early age, Deif was deeply influenced by the conflict. He pursued science studies at the Islamic University of Gaza, where he was known not only for his academics but also for leading the university’s entertainment committee and participating in several plays. Despite his early involvement in cultural activities, his path quickly veered toward armed resistance.
The Rise of Hamas and Deif’s Role
Hamas was founded in the late 1980s, at a time when Deif was around 20 years old. This period coincided with the First Palestinian Intifada, a major uprising against Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. As Hamas grew in influence, Deif took on an increasingly central role in its military operations.
Over the years, he was held responsible for orchestrating multiple suicide bombings that resulted in the deaths of dozens of people. His tactics and leadership made him one of the most feared figures in Israeli security circles.
A Mysterious Figure in Hiding
One of the most intriguing aspects of Deif’s life was his ability to evade capture and remain in hiding for decades. Since his early 20s, no verified photograph of him has surfaced. This extreme level of secrecy, coupled with his strategic brilliance, allowed him to survive numerous Israeli assassination attempts—until now.
What This Means for the Future
The death of Mohammad Deif marks a significant moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While Israel sees his elimination as a major victory in its fight against Hamas, the long-term impact remains uncertain. Will this strike weaken Hamas’s military wing, or will it lead to a new wave of retaliation? As tensions in the region continue to escalate, the consequences of this high-profile assassination will unfold in the coming months.
