Mohammed Deif: Hamas Leader and Mastermind of October 7 Attack on Israel's Ben Gurion University

Mohammed Deif, the shadowy figure behind Hamas's military operations, has orchestrated numerous attacks against Israel, culminating in the devastating assault on October 7. Despite numerous assassination attempts, his influence remains unshaken.

Mohammed Deif, the elusive and influential military commander of Hamas, has long been a significant figure in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. 

As the leader of Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades, Deif has been a central figure in orchestrating numerous attacks against Israel. 

Despite numerous attempts on his life, he continues to play a critical role in the military operations of Hamas, as evidenced by the recent events on October 7.

On October 7, Hamas launched a devastating attack that targeted various locations in southern Israel, including Ben Gurion University. 

This attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,139 people, was announced by Deif in a rare voice recording. 

In this recording, he referred to the operation as the "Al-Aqsa Flood," describing it as a retaliation for Israeli actions at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites. 

Deif's calm yet resolute voice in the recording signaled the gravity of the situation and the intensity of Hamas's resolve.

Mohammed Deif's journey to becoming one of Israel's most wanted figures began in the Khan Younis refugee camp, where he was born in 1965. 

Initially known as Mohammad Masri, he later adopted the name Mohammed Deif after joining Hamas during the first Palestinian Intifada in 1987. 

Deif holds a degree in sciences from the Islamic University in Gaza, where he studied physics, chemistry, and biology. 

His involvement in Hamas grew during the first Intifada, leading to his arrest by Israeli forces in 1989. 

After spending 16 months in detention, Deif rose through the ranks of Hamas, eventually becoming the head of the Qassam Brigades in 2002 following the assassination of his predecessor, Salah Shehadeh.

Over the years, Deif has been the target of multiple Israeli assassination attempts, each time managing to survive despite sustaining severe injuries, including the loss of an eye and damage to one of his legs. 

His ability to evade capture and continue leading Hamas's military operations has turned him into a "folk hero" among many Palestinians. 

Deif's strategic acumen is credited with developing Hamas's extensive tunnel networks and bomb-making capabilities, which have been crucial in the group's military tactics.

The October 7 attack on Israel, including the strike on Ben Gurion University, underscored Deif's role as a mastermind within Hamas. 

Israel quickly identified Deif and Hamas's Gaza leader, Yahya Sinwar, as the chief architects behind the attack. 

In response, Israel launched a massive air strike on the al-Mawasi camp in southern Gaza, a designated humanitarian zone, with the intent of eliminating Deif. 

The strike resulted in the deaths of at least 90 people and injuries to 300 others, but Deif reportedly escaped unharmed.

Israel's Chief of the General Staff, Herzi Halevi, stated that Hamas is concealing the results of the air strike, leaving uncertainty about the extent of the damage inflicted on Hamas's leadership. 

Despite these efforts, a senior Hamas official confirmed that Deif is "well and directly overseeing" the group's military operations, reaffirming his continued influence and operational control.

Deif's prominence within Hamas and his role in planning and executing high-profile attacks have made him a target for the International Criminal Court (ICC). 

In May, the ICC's prosecutor requested arrest warrants for Deif, Sinwar, and other Hamas figures in connection with the October 7 attack. 

Additionally, warrants were issued for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for Israel's response to the attack, which has resulted in significant casualties and destruction in Gaza.

Mohammed Deif's life and actions embody the ongoing and deeply rooted conflict between Israel and Palestine. 

His survival and leadership within Hamas continue to shape the dynamics of the region, making him a pivotal figure in the pursuit of both war and peace. 

As the conflict endures, Deif's influence and the repercussions of his actions will remain significant in the evolving narrative of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle.