Mohammed Deif#Public image

Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri was born on 12 August 1965 in the Khan Younis refugee camp in the southern Gaza Strip.{{Cite news |last1=Nakhoul |first1=Samia |last2=Bassam |first2=Laila |date=11 October 2023 |title=Who is Mohammed Deif, the Hamas commander behind the attack on Israel? |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-secretive-hamas-commander-masterminded-attack-israel-2023-10-10/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |archive-date=17 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017133933/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-secretive-hamas-commander-masterminded-attack-israel-2023-10-10/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Mohammed Deif |url=https://www.counterextremism.com/extremists/mohammed-deif |access-date=30 May 2024 |website=Counter Extremism Project |language=en |archive-date=27 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227074241/https://www.counterextremism.com/extremists/mohammed-deif |url-status=live }} His family originates from al-Qubeiba, a former town near Ramleh in Mandatory Palestine, but fled or were expelled during the 1948 Palestine war.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-most-wanted-three-hamas-commanders-gaza-it-must-kill-2023-12-01/|title=Insight: Israel's most wanted: the three Hamas leaders in Gaza it aims to kill|first1=Samia|last1=Nakhoul|first2=James|last2=Mackenzie|first3=Phil|last3=Stewart|work=Reuters|date=1 December 2023|access-date=16 July 2024|archive-date=11 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211232333/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-most-wanted-three-hamas-commanders-gaza-it-must-kill-2023-12-01/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=Tom |date=13 October 2023 |title=Mohammed Deif, Che Guevara to Gaza, Bin Laden to Israel, faces last stand |url=https://www.newsweek.com/2023/10/27/hamas-mohammed-deif-mastermind-israels-9-11-faces-last-stand-gaza-1834716 |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Newsweek |language=en |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119165419/https://www.newsweek.com/2023/10/27/hamas-mohammed-deif-mastermind-israels-9-11-faces-last-stand-gaza-1834716 |url-status=live }}{{cite book |author=Morris, Benny |date=2004 |title=The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem Revisited |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uM_kFX6edX8C&pg=PR19 |page=xix |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-00967-6 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402072738/https://books.google.com/books?id=uM_kFX6edX8C&pg=PR19 |archive-date=2 April 2019 }} Village #251. Also gives cause of depopulation. According to the Shin Bet, either his father or his uncle had participated in sporadic raids into Israel conducted by Palestinian fedayeen in the 1950s.{{Cite news |last=Srivastava |first=Mehul |date=8 October 2023 |title=Who is 'The Guest': the Palestinian mastermind behind deadly Israel incursion |work=Financial Times |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d52e8653-8ee6-40fd-a9b0-14fb5e1794c9 |access-date=17 November 2023 |archive-date=8 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008222504/https://www.ft.com/content/d52e8653-8ee6-40fd-a9b0-14fb5e1794c9 |url-status=live }}

Although not much is known about the details of his early life and upbringing,{{Cite news |date=30 May 2021 |title=Mohammed Deif: The one-eyed Hamas chief in Israel's crosshairs |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57253521 |access-date=4 March 2023 |archive-date=11 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231111212237/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-57253521 |url-status=live |first=Joshua |last=Nevett}} he reportedly had to temporarily drop out of school to support his low-income family, working with his father in upholstery and later starting a small poultry farm. It is understood that he studied chemistry at the Islamic University of Gaza,{{Cite news |last=Raghavan |first=Sudarsan |date=2 August 2014 |title=Mohammed Deif, the shadowy figure who heads Hamas's military wing |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/mohammed-deif-the-shadowy-figure-who-heads-hamass-military-wing/2014/08/02/ed68c46e-1a85-11e4-85b6-c1451e622637_story.html |access-date=4 March 2023 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=1 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001001811/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/mohammed-deif-the-shadowy-figure-who-heads-hamass-military-wing/2014/08/02/ed68c46e-1a85-11e4-85b6-c1451e622637_story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=26 October 2023 |title=Hamas' deadly 'phantom': the man behind the attacks |url=https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/hamas-deadly-phantom-the-man-behind-the-attacks-20231025-p5eevg |access-date=7 November 2023 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107203914/https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/hamas-deadly-phantom-the-man-behind-the-attacks-20231025-p5eevg |url-status=live |first=Nicolas |last=Pelham}} from which he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1988.{{Cite web |last=Ziboun |first=Kifah |date=28 August 2014 |title=From the Spotlight to the Shadows |url=https://eng-archive.aawsat.com/kifah-ziboun/features/from-the-spotlight-to-the-shadows |access-date=4 March 2023 |website=Asharq Al-Awsat |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304150016/https://eng-archive.aawsat.com/kifah-ziboun/features/from-the-spotlight-to-the-shadows |url-status=live }}

During his years at the university, he had a passion for theatre, establishing a theatre group called "The Returners", in reference to Palestinian refugees longing to return to the lands they lived on before the Nakba. He played a number of roles, including those of historical figures.{{Cite web |title=Mohammed Deif, the Voice of War |url=https://english.aawsat.com/node/4592016 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Asharq Al-Awsat |language=en |archive-date=20 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520114714/https://english.aawsat.com/features/4592016-mohammed-deif-voice-war |url-status=live |first=Kifah |last=Zboun}}

Deif joined Hamas in 1987, weeks after its establishment during the First Intifada against the Israeli occupation.{{Cite web |title=Who Is Mohammed Deif? Hamas' Elusive Commander Remains A Mystery Figure |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/who-is-mohammed-deif-hamas-elusive-commander-remains-a-mystery-figure |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=Free Press Journal |language=en |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119162854/https://www.freepressjournal.in/world/who-is-mohammed-deif-hamas-elusive-commander-remains-a-mystery-figure |url-status=live }} He was arrested by Israeli authorities in 1989 for his involvement with the organization.{{Cite news |date=20 August 2014 |title=Has Hamas military chief, Mohammed Deif, escaped death again? |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-gaza-deif-idINKBN0GK1PM20140820 |access-date=4 March 2023 |archive-date=4 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304150014/https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-gaza-deif-idINKBN0GK1PM20140820 |url-status=live |first1= Nidal |last1=Al-Mughrabi |first2=Maayan |last2=Lubell}} After 16 months of detention, he was released in a prisoner exchange. Soon after his release, he helped establish the Ezzedeen al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.

Deif was close to Emad Akel and Yahya Ayyash, who were assassinated by Israel in 1993 and 1996 respectively. He trained with, and learnt bombmaking from, Ayyash.{{Cite web |title=Who is Mohammed Deif? The shadowy Hamas commander known as 'The Guest' |url=https://news.sky.com/story/who-is-mohammed-deif-the-shadowy-hamas-commander-known-as-the-guest-12981449 |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=Sky News |language=en |archive-date=13 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013051026/https://news.sky.com/story/who-is-mohammed-deif-the-shadowy-hamas-commander-known-as-the-guest-12981449 |url-status=live |first=Josephine |last=Franks |date=10 October 2023}} After Ayyash's assassination, Deif reduced his profile to avoid being targeted. During the 1990s and early 2000s, he was behind a number of suicide bombing attacks,{{Cite web |date=10 October 2023 |title=Mohammed Deif, the elusive architect of Hamas's attack on Israel |first=Sébastian |last=Seibt |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231010-mohammed-deif-the-elusive-architect-of-hamas-s-attack-on-israel |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107225929/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231010-mohammed-deif-the-elusive-architect-of-hamas-s-attack-on-israel |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Burke |first=Jason |author-link=Jason Burke |date=7 November 2023 |title=A deadly cascade: how secret Hamas attack orders were passed down at last minute |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/07/secret-hamas-attack-orders-israel-gaza-7-october |access-date=7 November 2023 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=17 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231217072449/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/07/secret-hamas-attack-orders-israel-gaza-7-october |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Israel's most wanted man: Who is Mohammed Deif, the military commander behind Hamas' attack |first=Suen Wai |last=Kit |date=10 October 2023 |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/hamas-military-commander-mohammed-deif-israel-israel-conflict-palestinian-war-gaza-strip-3833901 |access-date=21 November 2023 |website=Channel News Asia|language=en |archive-date=21 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121201712/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/hamas-military-commander-mohammed-deif-israel-israel-conflict-palestinian-war-gaza-strip-3833901 |url-status=live }} including the 1996 Jaffa Road bus bombings.{{Cite web |date=12 October 2023 |title=Who is Mohammed Deif? |url=https://www.nationthailand.com/world/middle-east-africa/40031841 |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=nationthailand |language=en |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117213432/https://www.nationthailand.com/world/middle-east-africa/40031841 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=11 October 2023 |title=Who is Mohammed Deif, the elusive Hamas commander behind the attack on Israel? |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/mohammed-deif-the-elusive-hamas-commander-behind-attack-on-israel-18014481.htm |access-date=17 November 2023 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en |archive-date=17 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117222144/https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/mohammed-deif-the-elusive-hamas-commander-behind-attack-on-israel-18014481.htm |url-status=live }} He also oversaw the kidnappings and later killings of Israeli soldiers Shahar Simani, Aryeh Frankenthal, and Nachshon Wachsman in the 1990s.{{Cite news |title=Who Is Mohammed Deif? |first=Amos |last=Harel |date=20 August 2014 |language=en |work=Haaretz |url=https://www.haaretz.com/2014-08-20/ty-article/.premium/who-is-mohammed-deif/0000017f-e6dd-dc7e-adff-f6fd68d10000 |access-date=4 March 2023 |archive-date=21 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521062011/http://www.haaretz.com/2014-08-20/ty-article/.premium/who-is-mohammed-deif/0000017f-e6dd-dc7e-adff-f6fd68d10000 |url-status=live }}

In May 2000, Deif was arrested at Israel's request by the Palestinian National Authority,{{Cite web |title=Hamas Says Fugitive Seized in Raid |url=https://apnews.com/article/810f701bf66775269b16d33958ea2d72 |access-date=5 March 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=5 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305064325/https://apnews.com/article/810f701bf66775269b16d33958ea2d72 |url-status=dead |date=16 May 2000 |first=Dana |last=Budeiri}}{{Cite news |last=Hockstader |first=Lee |date=15 May 2000 |title=Terror Suspect Being Detained By Palestinians |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/05/15/terror-suspect-being-detained-by-palestinians/4b4c15ba-f34b-4117-9aa9-871717404c8f/ |access-date=5 March 2023 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=28 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828194244/https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/05/15/terror-suspect-being-detained-by-palestinians/4b4c15ba-f34b-4117-9aa9-871717404c8f/ |url-status=live }} but he escaped in December with assistance from some of his guards.{{Cite news |last=Hockstader |first=Lee |date=8 December 2000 |title=Key Militant Escapes From Palestinian Jail |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/2000/12/08/key-militant-escapes-from-palestinian-jail/e25d5acc-37e4-4de7-82f4-acfbb62ba722/ |access-date=5 March 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}

According to Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman, Deif's campaign of massive retaliation and the failure of Israeli intelligence services to prevent it, was one of the factors that led to the defeat of Prime Minister Shimon Peres and the Israeli Labor Party in the 1996 Israeli general election and the victory of the right-wing Likud party of Benjamin Netanyahu, who opposed the Oslo peace process:

At the beginning of February, Peres was up twenty points in the polls over his opposition, the conservative hawk Benjamin "Bibi" Netanyahu. By the middle of March, Netanyahu had closed the gap significantly, and Peres led by only five percentage points. On May 29, Netanyahu won by 1 percent of the vote. This was all due to the terror attacks, which Peres simply couldn't stop. Yahya Ayyash's disciples had ensured the right wing's victory and "derailed the peace process," in the words of the deputy head of the Shin Bet, Yisrael Hasson.{{Cite book|url=https://theswissbay.ch/pdf/Books/Politics/Rise%20and%20Kill%20First%20The%20Secret%20History%20of%20Israel%E2%80%99s%20Targeted%20Assassinations%20by%20Ronen%20Bergman%20%28z-lib.org%29.pdf |title=Rise and Kill First |access-date=26 April 2024 |archive-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312081550/https://theswissbay.ch/pdf/Books/Politics/Rise%20and%20Kill%20First%20The%20Secret%20History%20of%20Israel%E2%80%99s%20Targeted%20Assassinations%20by%20Ronen%20Bergman%20%28z-lib.org%29.pdf |url-status=live |page=409 |first=Ronen |last=Bergman |date=2018 |publisher=Random House Publishing |isbn=9780679604686}}

Deif became the head of the al-Qassam Brigades after Israel assassinated Salah Shehade in July 2002.{{cite news |last=Asser |first=Martin |date=26 September 2002 |title=Profile: Hamas commander Mohammed Deif |publisher=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2284055.stm |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=30 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830165314/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2284055.stm |url-status=live }} Between July 2006 and November 2012, effective command was exercised by Deif's deputy, Ahmed Jabari, after Deif was seriously wounded in an Israeli assassination attempt.{{Cite news |title=Hamas's deadly "phantom": the man behind the attacks |first=Nicolas |last=Pelham |date=20 October 2023 |newspaper=The Economist |url=https://www.economist.com/1843/2023/10/20/hamass-deadly-phantom-the-man-behind-the-attacks |access-date=7 November 2023 |issn=0013-0613 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107203907/https://www.economist.com/1843/2023/10/20/hamass-deadly-phantom-the-man-behind-the-attacks |url-status=live }}

As the overall commander of the al-Qassam Brigades, he is thought to be the main organizer of the raid into Israel that killed two IDF soldiers and captured Gilad Shalit in June 2006, as well as the five-year operations to deceive Mossad and Shin Bet about Shalit's location in Gaza. He was also in charge of the al-Qassam Brigades' procurement of weapons from abroad, overseeing the transfer and manufacturing of Iranian Fajr-5 rocket components into Gaza, and maintained correspondence with Iranian Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani and his predecessor Qasem Soleimani.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/461155/Iranian-general-sends-letters-to-Palestinian-commanders|title=Iranian general sends letters to Palestinian commanders|date=21 May 2021|website=Tehran Times|access-date=17 February 2024|archive-date=17 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217011100/https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/461155/Iranian-general-sends-letters-to-Palestinian-commanders|url-status=live}} In a letter, Soleimani had called Deif a "dear brother" and a "living martyr".{{Cite web|url=https://www.memri.org/reports/irgc-qods-force-commander-qassem-soleimani-letter-sent-prior-his-death-hamas-military-wing|title=IRGC Qods Force Commander Qassem Soleimani In Letter Sent Prior To His Death To Hamas Military Wing Commander Muhammad Deif: Despite The Pressures And Siege, Iran Will Never Abandon Palestine|website=MEMRI|date=26 May 2020|access-date=24 June 2024|archive-date=3 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803165106/https://www.memri.org/reports/irgc-qods-force-commander-qassem-soleimani-letter-sent-prior-his-death-hamas-military-wing|url-status=live}}

In September 2015, the US Department of State added Deif and three other Hamas leaders to the American list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists.{{Cite news |title=Arch-terrorists Kuntar, Deif put on US blacklist |date=8 September 2015 |publisher=Associated Press |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/arch-terrorists-kuntar-deif-put-on-us-blacklist/ |access-date=7 November 2023 |work=Times of Israel |language=en-US |archive-date=27 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127175410/https://www.timesofisrael.com/arch-terrorists-kuntar-deif-put-on-us-blacklist/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Terrorist Designations of Yahya Sinwar, Rawhi Mushtaha, and Muhammed Deif |date=8 September 2015 |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2015/09/246686.htm |access-date=7 November 2023 |website=U.S. Department of State |archive-date=21 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121124014/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/Prs/ps/2015/09/246686.htm |url-status=live }} In December 2023, the European Union added him to their terror blacklist in 2023.{{Cite news |agency=AFP |date=8 December 2023 |title=EU adds Hamas military chiefs Mohammed Deif, Marwan Issa to terror blacklist |work=Times of Israel |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/eu-adds-hamas-military-chiefs-mohammed-deif-marwan-issa-to-terror-blacklist/ |access-date=17 December 2023 |archive-date=11 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211233835/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/eu-adds-hamas-military-chiefs-mohammed-deif-marwan-issa-to-terror-blacklist/ |url-status=live }}

Deif also created the "Shadow Unit" within the al-Qassam Brigades. Among the unit's duties are "to guard enemy captives held by the al-Qassam Brigades, to hide them and to thwart enemy attempts to find them." An al-Qassam video said that the unit "treats enemy captives honorably, in line with the rules of Islam, and provides for their needs, taking into account the treatment given to the prisoners of the resistance in the hands of the enemy."{{Cite web |url=https://www.newarab.com/analysis/why-did-hamas-shadow-unit-reveal-itself |title=Why did the Hamas 'shadow unit' reveal itself? |website=The New Arab |date=5 January 2016 |access-date=22 April 2024 |archive-date=22 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422201907/https://www.newarab.com/analysis/why-did-hamas-shadow-unit-reveal-itself |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Palestinian rocket attacks on Israel|Palestinian tunnel warfare in the Gaza Strip}}

Deif has been credited with transforming the al-Qassam Brigades from a cluster of amateur cells to organized military units, described as an 'army,' that are capable of invading Israel. His military strategy has been dubbed the 'above and below' strategy, built on attacking Israeli territory with rockets and constructing underground tunnels to be used in infiltrating the border with Israel.

{{Main|Gaza war|2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel}}

As the highest-ranking leader of the al-Qassam Brigades, Deif was involved in orchestrating the surprise attack on Israel that commenced the Gaza war, which, according to a source close to Hamas, he began planning in the lead up to the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, motivated by scenes of Israeli forces storming al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan. According to France 24, he was the mastermind behind the attack on 7 October.{{Cite web |date=3 November 2023 |title=Who's who: Top Hamas leaders on Israel's radar |first=Marc |last=Daou |url=https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231103-most-wanted-the-hamas-leaders-on-israel-s-radar |access-date=17 December 2023 |publisher=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=14 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214032845/https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20231103-most-wanted-the-hamas-leaders-on-israel-s-radar |url-status=live}} The decision to launch the attack was taken jointly by Deif and Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.{{Cite web |last=Sanz |first=Juan Carlos |date=18 October 2023 |title=Mohamed Deif and Yahya Sinwar, the masterminds of the Hamas attack who top Israel's most wanted list |url=https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-10-18/mohamed-deif-and-yahya-sinwar-the-masterminds-of-the-hamas-attack-who-top-israels-most-wanted-list.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=EL PAÍS English |language=en-us |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119160901/https://english.elpais.com/international/2023-10-18/mohamed-deif-and-yahya-sinwar-the-masterminds-of-the-hamas-attack-who-top-israels-most-wanted-list.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |date=11 October 2023 |title=Mohammed Deif, Hamas's shadow strategist |language=en |work=Le Monde |first=Hélène |last=Sallon |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/10/11/mohammed-deif-hamas-s-shadow-strategist_6165256_4.html |access-date=19 November 2023 |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119165414/https://www.lemonde.fr/en/international/article/2023/10/11/mohammed-deif-hamas-s-shadow-strategist_6165256_4.html |url-status=live}}

After the attack, a Reuters report stated that over the previous two years, Deif deceived Israel into believing Hamas was not interested in another round of conflict.{{Cite web |date=11 October 2023 |title=How Mastermind Mohammed Deif Planned Hamas' Attack on Israel From the Shadows |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/world/how-mastermind-mohammed-deif-planned-hamas-attack-on-israel-from-the-shadows-article-104343052 |access-date=6 November 2023 |website=TimesNow |language=en |archive-date=6 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106184911/https://www.timesnownews.com/world/how-mastermind-mohammed-deif-planned-hamas-attack-on-israel-from-the-shadows-article-104343052 |url-status=live}} This deception campaign involved a decision not to participate in the clashes between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in August 2022 and May 2023, putting Israel under the impression that Hamas "was not ready for a fight" and could be contained by providing economic incentives to Gazan workers.{{Cite news |last1=Nakhoul |first1=Samia |last2=Saul |first2=Jonathan |date=10 October 2023 |title=How Hamas duped Israel as it planned devastating attack |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-israel-was-duped-hamas-planned-devastating-assault-2023-10-08/ |access-date=6 November 2023 |archive-date=9 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009020650/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-israel-was-duped-hamas-planned-devastating-assault-2023-10-08/ |url-status=live}}

On the day of the attack, Deif gave an audio address, his first since 2021, justifying it as a response to the "desecration" of the al-Aqsa Mosque and the killing and wounding of hundreds of Palestinians in 2023.{{Cite web |date=19 October 2023 |title=Hamas masterminds key targets of Israel's 'dead man walking' threats |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231019-hamas-masterminds-key-targets-of-israel-s-dead-man-walking-threats |access-date=19 November 2023 |website=France 24 |language=en |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119160900/https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20231019-hamas-masterminds-key-targets-of-israel-s-dead-man-walking-threats |url-status=live}} He called on Palestinians and Arab Israelis to "expel the occupiers and demolish the walls".{{cite news |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-commander-says-attacks-are-in-defense-of-al-aqsa-claims-5000-missiles-fired |title=Hamas commander says attacks are in defense of Al-Aqsa, claims 5,000 missiles fired |first=Gianluca|last=Pacchiani|access-date=7 October 2023 |date=7 October 2023 |work=The Times of Israel|archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007094309/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-commander-says-attacks-are-in-defense-of-al-aqsa-claims-5000-missiles-fired/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-what-we-know.html|title=What We Know About the Hamas Attack and Israel's Response |first1=Ephrat |last1=Livni |first2=Gaya |last2=Gupta|work=The New York Times|date=7 October 2023|accessdate=7 October 2023|archive-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231008143358/https://www.nytimes.com/article/israel-gaza-hamas-what-we-know.html|url-status=live}} Announcing the start of "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm," Deif said that "In light of the continuing crimes against our people, in light of the orgy of occupation and its denial of international laws and resolutions, and in light of American and western support, we've decided to put an end to all this so that the enemy understands that he can no longer revel without being held to account."

On 20 May 2024, a request for an arrest warrant against Deif and four other Palestinian and Israeli leaders was filed by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on several counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, as part of its investigation in Palestine.{{Cite web |last=Khan |first=Karim A.A |date=20 May 2024 |title=Statement of ICC Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan KC: Applications for arrest warrants in the situation in the State of Palestine |publisher=International Criminal Court |url=https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/statement-icc-prosecutor-karim-aa-khan-kc-applications-arrest-warrants-situation-state |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520105912/https://www.icc-cpi.int/news/statement-icc-prosecutor-karim-aa-khan-kc-applications-arrest-warrants-situation-state |archive-date=20 May 2024 |access-date=20 May 2024}}{{Cite web |last=Kottasová |first=Ivana |date=20 May 2024 |title=Exclusive interview: ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants against Sinwar and Netanyahu for war crimes over October 7 and Gaza |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/20/middleeast/icc-israel-hamas-arrest-warrant-war-crimes-intl/index.html |access-date=20 May 2024 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=20 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520113208/https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/20/middleeast/icc-israel-hamas-arrest-warrant-war-crimes-intl/index.html |url-status=live}} The effort continued into September 2024, with the prosecutor saying that he was gathering information about Deif's "reported death."{{cite news |title=ICC prosecutor seeks warrants against Israeli leaders, Sinwar 'with utmost urgency' |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/icc-prosecutor-seeks-warrants-against-israeli-leaders-sinwar-with-utmost-urgency/ |date=10 September 2024 |work=The Times of Israel |first=Jeremy |last=Sharon}}{{efn|The prosecutor's jurisdiction ends with the death of the defendant}} On 21 November, the court officially indicted Deif for war crimes, stating that he bore responsibility for mass killings, hostage taking and rape during the 7 October attacks.{{Cite news |date=21 November 2024 |title=ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel's Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas leader|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/icc-issues-arrest-warrants-israels-netanyahu-gallant-hamas-leader-2024-11-21/|work=Reuters}}{{Cite news |date=21 November 2024 |title=Arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas commander over alleged war crimes|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly2exvx944o |work=BBC}} The ICC argued that it was "not in a position to determine whether [Deif] has been killed or remains alive" following reports that Deif was killed in an Israeli airstrike on 13 July 2024.{{Cite web |title=ICC issues arrest warrant for Israeli PM Netanyahu for 'war crimes' in Gaza |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/21/icc-issues-arrest-warrant-for-israeli-pm-netanyahu-for-war-crimes-in-gaza |access-date=21 November 2024 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}

On 3 September 2024, the United States Department of Justice announced criminal charges against Deif and other Hamas officials for their roles in the 7 October attack on Israel. The charges, which were filed under seal in February 2024, include conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, and conspiracy to finance terrorism.{{cite news |last=Tucker |first=Eric |date=3 September 2024 |title=US charges Hamas leader, other militants in connection with Oct. 7 massacre in Israel |url=https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-hamas-sinwar-87674285aa9b066392953db1310312ca |access-date=3 September 2024 |publisher=Associated Press}}{{cite news |date=3 September 2024 |title=US charges Hamas leaders over Oct. 7 attack on Israel |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us-files-criminal-charges-against-hamas-leadership-including-sinwar-2024-09-03/ |access-date=3 September 2024 |publisher=Reuters}}

The Israeli military and security forces have killed numerous members of Deif's family in failed attempts to kill Deif, who was on top of Israel's 'most wanted list' since 1995, and other airstrikes. Deif's survival earned him the nickname 'the cat with nine lives' among his Israeli adversaries.{{Cite web |website=ABP News Bureau |date=13 October 2023 |title=Israel-Gaza War: Who Is Mohammed Deif? The 'Shadowy' Hamas Leader Behind Israel Attack |url=https://news.abplive.com/explainers/israel-gaza-war-who-is-mohammed-deif-shadowy-hamas-militant-leader-behind-israel-attack-1635402 |access-date=7 November 2023 |language=en |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107213539/https://news.abplive.com/explainers/israel-gaza-war-who-is-mohammed-deif-shadowy-hamas-militant-leader-behind-israel-attack-1635402 |url-status=live }} He survived at least seven Israeli assassination attempts.

As of December 2023, Israeli military and security forces have killed Deif's brother, his nephew, his niece, his wife, his 3-year-old daughter, and his 7-month-old son.

The first attempt on his life was by an airstrike in 2001, before he assumed the leadership of the al-Qassam Brigades.{{Cite news |last1=Kershner |first1=Isabel |last2=Akram |first2=Fares |date=20 August 2014 |title=After Strike on Family, Fate of Hamas Commander Is Unknown |language=en-US |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/21/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-strip.html |access-date=4 November 2023 |issn=0362-4331|archive-date=15 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515030321/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/21/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-strip.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=19 May 2021 |title=Who is Mohammed Deif whom Israel tried to assassinate several times |url=https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/who-is-mohammed-deif-whom-israel-tried-to-assassinate-several-times-9358771.htm |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=cnbctv18.com |language=en |archive-date=5 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231105022506/https://www.cnbctv18.com/world/who-is-mohammed-deif-whom-israel-tried-to-assassinate-several-times-9358771.htm |url-status=live }} Israel tried again to kill Deif in September 2002 by a strike on his car.{{cite news |date=27 September 2002 |title=Official: Hamas target survives Israeli attack |publisher=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/09/27/mideast/index.html |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=4 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404030045/http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/meast/09/27/mideast/index.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Elhanan |title=Is prime Israel target Muhammad Deif overseeing Hamas's strategy? |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/is-prime-israel-target-muhammad-deif-overseeing-hamass-strategy/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=Times of Israel |date=23 July 2014 |language=en-US |archive-date=29 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029170509/http://www.timesofisrael.com/is-prime-israel-target-muhammad-deif-overseeing-hamass-strategy/ |url-status=live }} Video footage from that attempt show Deif covered in blood as a man drags him away.{{Cite web |date=14 August 2014 |title=Deep in Underground Tunnels, Mohammed Deif Shapes Hamas' War With Israel |first=Maayan |last=Lubel |url=https://forward.com/news/breaking-news/204141/deep-in-underground-tunnels-mohammed-deif-shapes-h/ |access-date=22 November 2023 |website=The Forward |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123040614/https://forward.com/news/breaking-news/204141/deep-in-underground-tunnels-mohammed-deif-shapes-h/ |url-status=live }}

In 2003 and in July 2006, Israel tried again by striking a house that hosted a meeting of the Hamas leadership.{{cite news |date=12 July 2006 |title=Israel's Most Wanted Man Seriously Injured in Bombing |newspaper=WLTX |agency=AP |location=Gaza City |url=http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=39802 |access-date=15 November 2012 |archive-date=18 September 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120918135325/http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=39802 |url-status=dead}} It is also said that the July 2006 attempt was an airstrike on the house of one of Deif's lecturers in university when Deif was visiting him.

After the 2006 assassination attempt, Deif spent three months in Egypt for treatment of his skull after shrapnel lodged in it, and he continued to take daily tranquillizers to treat headaches.

It was believed that the seven assassination attempts had lost Deif an eye and limbs. Hamas did not confirm or deny these claims and did not comment on his health.{{Cite news |last=Johny |first=Stanly |date=22 May 2021 |title=Who is Mohammed Deif, the Hamas chief |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/hammas-chief-mohammed-deif/article61814855.ece |access-date=19 November 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=19 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231119163522/https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/hammas-chief-mohammed-deif/article61814855.ece |url-status=live }} Footage obtained by the Israeli military in December 2023 showed Deif using both hands and walking on his own two feet, though with a slight limp and occasionally with the aid of a wheelchair.{{Cite web |date=20 December 2023 |title=Video shows Hamas commander alive and well after 7 assassination attempts |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-778785 |access-date=25 December 2023 |website=The Jerusalem Post |first=Ben |last=Caspit |language=en-US |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225071326/https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-778785 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last= |title=New intel said to disprove belief top Hamas commander Muhammad Deif is near-paralyzed |date=20 December 2023 |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-intel-said-to-disprove-belief-top-hamas-commander-muhammad-deif-is-near-paralyzed/ |website=Times Of Israel |access-date=25 December 2023 |archive-date=25 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231225121438/https://www.timesofisrael.com/new-intel-said-to-disprove-belief-top-hamas-commander-muhammad-deif-is-near-paralyzed/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Deif family killings}}

In August 2014, during the 2014 Gaza War, the Israeli air force attempted to assassinate him with an airstrike on the Deif family home in Sheikh Radwan in Gaza City.{{cite news |date=20 August 2014 |title=Israeli airstrikes target Hamas military chief in Gaza: report |publisher=Xinhua |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-08/20/c_133571235.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820153329/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2014-08/20/c_133571235.htm |archive-date=20 August 2014}} Hamas denied that Deif was killed,{{cite web |title=Hamas Confirms: Mohammed Deif is Still Alive |date=20 August 2014 |first1=Ido |last1=Ben Porat |first2=Ari |last2=Soffer |url=http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/184241#.U_TTyU3D-Uk |access-date=9 September 2015 |work=Arutz Sheva |archive-date=20 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820171413/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/184241#.U_TTyU3D-Uk |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=20 August 2014 |title=Gaza killing resumes with peace talks in tatters |publisher=CBS News |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/gaza-war-israel-targets-hamas-commander-mohammed-deif/ |access-date=20 August 2014 |archive-date=5 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205064259/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/gaza-war-israel-targets-hamas-commander-mohammed-deif/ |url-status=live }} and his survival was confirmed by Israeli intelligence in 2015.{{cite web |date=29 April 2015 |title=Hamas military commander Deif said to be alive in Gaza Strip |url=http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-believes-wanted-Hamas-commander-Deif-is-alive-in-Gaza-400525 |access-date=24 June 2024 |work=The Jerusalem Post |first1=Khaled |last1=Abu Toameh |first2=Yaakov |last2=Lappin |archive-date=1 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501103725/http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Israel-believes-wanted-Hamas-commander-Deif-is-alive-in-Gaza-400525 |url-status=live }}

In May 2021, during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, the Israel military tried to kill Deif twice in one week, but both attempts proved unsuccessful.{{cite web |date=19 May 2021 |title=Israel tried to kill Hamas chief Mohammed Deif twice in Gaza operation |first=Anna |last=Ahronheim |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/israel-still-trying-to-eliminate-hamas-chief-mohammed-deif-in-gaza-668496 |access-date=19 May 2021 |work=Jerusalem Post |archive-date=19 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210519044658/https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/israel-still-trying-to-eliminate-hamas-chief-mohammed-deif-in-gaza-668496 |url-status=live }}

In October 2023, during the Gaza war, Deif's father's house was hit by an Israeli airstrike, killing Deif's brother, nephew, and niece. It was unclear whether or not the airstrike targeted Deif.{{Cite web |date=14 October 2023 |title=Israel kills two Hamas commanders as it vows to eliminate group |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/palestine-israel/2023/10/14/hamas-leaders-target-israel-strikes/ |access-date=3 December 2023 |website=The National |language=en |archive-date=3 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203214805/https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/palestine-israel/2023/10/14/hamas-leaders-target-israel-strikes/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|13 July 2024 al-Mawasi attack}}

File:Targetted-Killing-of-Muhammad-Deif.gif of the airstrike released by the IDF]]

On 13 July 2024, he was targeted in an Israeli strike in the al-Mawasi neighborhood of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. According to reports from the Gaza Ministry of Health, at least 90 Palestinians were killed and over 300 injured as a result of the attack.{{Cite news |last1=זיתון |first1=יואב |last2=חלבי |first2=עינב |last3=יהושוע |first3=יוסי |date=13 July 2024 |title=ניסיון לחסל את מוחמד דף: יותר מ-50 הרוגים בתקיפה בחאן יונס |url=https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/rjf11l6kor |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=Ynet |language=he |archive-date=3 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803165116/https://www.ynet.co.il/news/article/rjf11l6kor |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Altstein |first1=Galit |last2=Alghoul |first2=Fares |title=Israel Targets Senior Hamas Commanders; Dozens Killed in Attack |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-13/dozens-killed-in-israeli-attempt-to-take-down-top-hamas-leader-chief?srnd=homepage-americas |access-date=13 July 2024 |work=Bloomberg.com |date=13 July 2024 |language=en |archive-date=3 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803165117/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-13/dozens-killed-in-israeli-attempt-to-take-down-top-hamas-leader-chief?srnd=homepage-americas |url-status=live }} The IDF reported that one of Deif's associates and a mastermind of the 7 October attack, the Khan Yunis Brigade commander Rafa Salama, was among the dead.{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-810203|title=IDF confirms Khan Yunis Brigade commander Rafa'a Salameh killed in targeted strike|newspaper=The Jerusalem Post|date=14 July 2024|access-date=22 July 2024|archive-date=23 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723062249/https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-810203|url-status=live}} In relation to Deif, the IDF stated that there were signs that he too had been killed, but they were unable to officially confirm that.{{cite news |title=Israeli military says more indications showing Mohammed Deif killed |url=https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-military-says-more-indications-show-mohammed-deif-killed |access-date=22 July 2024 |work=The New Arab |date=25 July 2024 |language=en |archive-date=22 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722201636/https://www.newarab.com/news/israeli-military-says-more-indications-show-mohammed-deif-killed |url-status=live }} Reportedly, a dead body suspected to belong to Deif was recovered from the site but was too badly disfigured to be identified. On 1 August 2024, the IDF announced it had confirmed that Deif died in the 13 July strike.{{Cite news|url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-confirms-muhammad-deif-commander-of-hamass-military-wing-was-killed-in-gaza-strike-last-month/|title=IDF confirms Muhammad Deif, commander of Hamas's military wing, was killed in Gaza strike last month|work=The Times of Israel|accessdate=1 August 2024|archive-date=1 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801084016/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/idf-confirms-muhammad-deif-commander-of-hamass-military-wing-was-killed-in-gaza-strike-last-month/|url-status=live}} Two weeks after the IDF announced its confirmation, Hamas denied that Deif was killed, with senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan stating in an interview with the Associated Press that Deif was still alive.{{Cite web |title=Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif is alive, says senior official |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/mohammed-deif-hamas-military-chief-alive-says-official |access-date=16 August 2024 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en}}

In October 2024, Hamas again called Deif's death a lie, while issuing a statement denying the death of Yahya Sinwar.{{Cite web |date=17 October 2024 |title='He's still alive' vs. 'died courageously': The battle for Sinwar's death narrative begins |url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-825069 |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post}} The next day Hamas acknowledged Sinwar's death without making any additional comments about Deif's status.{{Cite web |date=18 October 2024 |title=Hostages will not return until Gaza 'aggression' stops, Hamas official says |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-825116 |access-date=18 October 2024 |website=The Jerusalem Post}} In early November, the London-based Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat reported that Hamas has privately acknowledged Deif's death, but Hamas released a statement denying the newspaper's report.{{cite news|url=https://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5077358-new-evidence-suggests-death-qassam-brigades-leader|title=New Evidence Suggests Death of Qassam Brigades Leader|date=2 November 2024|publisher=Asharq Al-Awsat}}{{cite news|title=Hamas denies martyrdom of its military leader Mohammed Deif|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/11/03/hamas-denies-martyrdom-of-its-military-leader-mohammed-deif|date=3 November 2024|work=The Star}}

On November 21, 2024 the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Mohammed Deif, arguing that it was unable to determine whether Deif had been killed and that the warrant would be withdrawn upon confirmation of his death.{{Cite news |last=Vinograd |first=Cassandra |date=21 November 2024 |title=I.C.C. Prosecutor Sought Warrants for 3 Hamas Leaders. At Least 2 Are Now Dead. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/21/world/middleeast/hamas-leaders-icc-arrest-warrant.html |work=The New York Times}} About a month after Hamas confirmed Deif's death, the International Criminal Court cancelled the arrest warrant.{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-844016|title=ICC cancels arrest warrant for Hamas leader Mohammed Deif|publisher=The Jerusalem Post| date= February 27, 2025| first= Ariela| last= Ohrenstein}}

On December 4, 2024, Israeli news channel Kan 11, citing Palestinian sources, reported that Hamas had located Deif's body and buried it in secret. According to the report, Hamas maintained secrecy over Deif's death due to fears that confirming it would lower the morale of its fighters, and buried him in an undisclosed location due to fears that if Israel discovered the location of his grave, the IDF would dig it up and take his body to use as a bargaining chip in a hostage deal.{{cite news|url=https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-832030| title= Hamas secretly buried Muhammad Deif's body in Gaza after killed in Israeli airstrike - report| date=December 4, 2024| publisher=The Jerusalem Post}}

On January 30, 2025, the Qassam Brigades, through their spokesperson Abu Ubeida, confirmed that Mohammed Deif, along with six other senior Hamas commanders, died as a result of the Gaza war. Along with the confirmation, Hamas also officially released a photo of Deif for the first time, as his photo had previously been classified.{{Cite web |last=Truzman |first=Joe |date=2025-01-30 |title=Hamas confirms the death of Mohammad Deif and other senior leaders |url=https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2025/01/hamas-confirms-the-death-of-muhammad-deif-and-other-senior-leaders.php |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=FDD's Long War Journal |language=en-US}}

Deif, the nom de guerre that Mohammed al-Masri took, means 'guest' in Arabic. This is said to refer to Deif staying in a different house each night as a precaution against Israeli attacks.{{cite news |last1=Burke |first1=Jason |author-link=Jason Burke |title=Who is the Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif? |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/13/who-is-the-hamas-military-chief-mohammed-dief |work=The Guardian |date=13 July 2024 |access-date=18 July 2024 |archive-date=3 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803165115/https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/13/who-is-the-hamas-military-chief-mohammed-dief |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Kiley |first=Sam |date=14 October 2023 |title=Who is El Deif, alleged mastermind of the Hamas attack? |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/14/middleeast/hamas-mastermind-el-deif-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=4 November 2023 |publisher=CNN |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104172125/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/14/middleeast/hamas-mastermind-el-deif-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live}} Another explanation said that the name comes from a theatre role he played in his earlier years. He is also known by his kunya Abu Khaled.

Prior to the Gaza war, only two photos of Deif's face were known to publicly exist, with the most recent one having been taken in the year 2000.{{Cite web |title=Mohammed Deif: Inside mind of Palestine's 'New Bin Laden' who masterminded Hamas attack on Israel |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1117926-mohammed-deif-inside-mind-of-palestines-new-bin-laden-who-masterminded-hamas-attack-on-israel |access-date=21 November 2023 |website=The News International |date=10 October 2023 |language=en |archive-date=21 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121195931/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1117926-mohammed-deif-inside-mind-of-palestines-new-bin-laden-who-masterminded-hamas-attack-on-israel |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Profile: Hamas's Qassam Brigade head Mohammed Deif |url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/profile-hamass-qassam-brigade-head-mohammed-deif |access-date=20 November 2023 |date=12 February 2015 |website=Middle East Eye |language=en |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120145157/https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/profile-hamass-qassam-brigade-head-mohammed-deif |url-status=live}} He never appears in public, and he rarely gives recorded audio addresses. His whereabouts are unknown, but it is likely that he has stayed in the underground tunnel networks in Gaza.{{Cite web |title=Explained: Who is Mohammed Deif? The Hamas mastermind behind brutal attack on Israel |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-mohammed-deif-the-mastermind-behind-hamass-brutal-attack-on-israel-645474 |access-date=22 November 2023 |publisher=WION |date=11 October 2023 |language=en-us |archive-date=22 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122160508/https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-mohammed-deif-the-mastermind-behind-hamass-brutal-attack-on-israel-645474 |url-status=live}} In January 2024, the IDF released a photo of Deif holding a cup of juice in one hand and a stack of U.S. dollars in the other hand. The photo was found in a computer that Israel seized from Hamas.{{cite news |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-781110 |title=IDF reveals most recent photo of Hamas military chief Muhammad Deif |first=Gadi |last=Zaig |work=The Jerusalem Post |date=6 January 2024}}

In spite of his elusiveness, he is highly popular amongst Palestinians for his hardline stance against Israel. He has become a 'folk hero' for his survival of many assassination attempts{{Cite news |date=11 October 2023 |title=Hamas' Mohammed Deif, Israel attack mastermind, reveals why he launched 9/11 like assault |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/hamas-mohammed-deif-israel-attack-mastermind-reveals-why-he-launched-9/11-like-assault/articleshow/104331798.cms |access-date=7 November 2023 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107213539/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/hamas-mohammed-deif-israel-attack-mastermind-reveals-why-he-launched-9/11-like-assault/articleshow/104331798.cms |url-status=live}} and has been nicknamed 'the mastermind' by Palestinians.{{Cite news |date=17 October 2023 |title=Hamas: Who are the group's most prominent leaders? |first=Lina |last=Alshawabkeh |language=en-GB |agency=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67103298 |access-date=19 November 2023 |archive-date=19 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019162128/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67103298 |url-status=live}} As a sign of his popularity, his name has been featured in protest slogans such as: "Put the sword before the sword, we are the men of Mohammed Deif."{{Cite web |last=Tahhan |first=Zena Al |title=Palestinian Authority cracks down on protests over Israel Gaza attacks |date=18 October 2023 |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/18/palestinian-authority-cracks-down-on-protests-over-israel-gaza-attacks |access-date=19 November 2023 |publisher=Al Jazeera |language=en |archive-date=18 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018132134/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/18/palestinian-authority-cracks-down-on-protests-over-israel-gaza-attacks |url-status=live}} His position as a military leader rather than a political one has shielded him from criticism of the Hamas administration of the Gaza Strip.

After acknowledging his death, Hamas began using photos of Deif at ceremonies for the release of the hostages to the custody of the Red Cross as part of the 2025 Gaza war ceasefire agreement.{{cite news|title=Israeli hostages, Palestinian prisoners released in latest Gaza exchange| first1= Mohammed |last1=Salem |first2=Nidal |last2= Al-Mughrabi| date=February 1, 2025| publisher=Reuters| url=https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/three-israeli-hostages-set-be-released-latest-gaza-exchange-2025-02-01/}}

Deif married Widad Asfoura in 2007.{{Cite news |first=Sakher |last=Abu El Oun |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=20 August 2014 |title=Thousands mourn slain wife, baby of Hamas commander |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/world/375670/thousands-mourn-slain-wife-baby-of-hamas-commander/story/ |access-date=4 November 2023 |work=GMA News Online |language=en |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104210413/https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/world/375670/thousands-mourn-slain-wife-baby-of-hamas-commander/story/ |url-status=live }} Widad, their infant son Ali, and their three-year-old daughter Sarah were killed in the 2014 assassination attempt.{{Cite news |last=Mathis-Lilley |first=Ben |date=20 August 2014 |title=Airstrike Kills Wife and Child of Hamas' Military Commander, Rocket Designer |language=en-US |work=Slate |url=https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2014/08/hamas-commander-wife-child-killed-israel-airstrike-takes-out-top-official-s-family-members.html |access-date=4 November 2023 |issn=1091-2339 |archive-date=4 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231104210413/https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2014/08/hamas-commander-wife-child-killed-israel-airstrike-takes-out-top-official-s-family-members.html |url-status=live }} They had two other children: Omar, who was injured, and Hala, who was missing for more than two days.{{cite news |title=The body of the child Sarah Al-Deif was recovered from under the rubble |url=https://palinfo.com/news/2014/08/21/85045/ |access-date=29 June 2024 |work=palinfo.com |date=21 August 2014 |archive-date=29 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629001223/https://palinfo.com/news/2014/08/21/85045/ |url-status=live }} Deif had two other sons, Bahaa and Khaled.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/ar/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9%D8%B8%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B7%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B6%D9%8A%D9%81-/2496122|title=غزة...ظهور نادر لأطفال قائد "القسام" محمد الضيف|website=www.aa.com.tr|publisher=Anadolu Agency|language=ar|accessdate=1 August 2024|archive-date=3 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240803165117/https://www.aa.com.tr/ar/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9/%D8%BA%D8%B2%D8%A9%D8%B8%D9%87%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%B7%D9%81%D8%A7%D9%84-%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B6%D9%8A%D9%81-/2496122|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Hamas Celebrates Military Commander Mohammed Deif During His Sons' Graduation Ceremony |date=7 February 2022 |url=https://www.memri.org/tv/turkey-graduation-ceremony-honoring-children-hamas-military-commander-deif |access-date=26 December 2023 |website=MEMRI |language=en |archive-date=20 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120143711/https://www.memri.org/tv/turkey-graduation-ceremony-honoring-children-hamas-military-commander-deif |url-status=live }}

Deif's mother died in 2011, and his father in 2022.{{Cite web |last=Boxerman |first=Aaron |title=Hamas announces death of military chief Mohammad Deif's father |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-announces-death-of-military-chief-mohammad-deifs-father/ |access-date=7 November 2023 |website=Times of Israel |date=17 March 2022 |language=en-US |archive-date=7 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107231050/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-announces-death-of-military-chief-mohammad-deifs-father/ |url-status=live }}

His family came to the Gaza Strip from further away than most members of Hamas; before 1948 his family lived in al-Qubayba in Central Palestine.{{cite news |trans-title=Muhammad Al-Deif...an artist who leads the Al-Qassam Brigades |url=https://aja.me/atlph |access-date=14 June 2024 |work=Palestine Encyclopedia |publisher=Al Jazeera Arabic |language=ar |script-title=ar: محمد الضيف.. فنان يقود كتائب القسام}}

• 13 July 2024 al-Mawasi attack
• Deif family killings
• Ismail Haniyeh
• Marwan Issa

{{notelist|

{{efn|name=2died| Widad was killed by an Israeli airstrike aimed at Mohammed Deif, that also killed their children Sarah and Ali. Widad had two other children with Deif: Omar survived with minor injuries, and the status of Hala is unknown. }}

}}

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite news |date=24 August 2014 |title=Terror chief Deif's mother-in-law offers him her other daughters |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/terror-chief-deifs-mother-in-law-offers-him-her-other-daughters/ |access-date=8 June 2024 |work=Times of Israel |archive-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925124240/https://www.timesofisrael.com/terror-chief-deifs-mother-in-law-offers-him-her-other-daughters/ |url-status=live }} "Should Deif request the hand of any of my other daughters, I will happily consent and even if she, too, is martyred I will consent to the third. It is an honor to have Deif a husband to any of my daughters and be a father to their children." – Zeian Asfura, (mother of Widad Deif)

}}

• [https://www.aljazeera.net/encyclopedia/2015/3/2/%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B6%D9%8A%D9%81 Detailed profile in Arabic] from Al Jazeera Arabic

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Category:1965 births

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