Muhammad Deif, the enigmatic leader of Hamas’s military wing, is widely believed to have orchestrated the October 7th assault on southern Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties and sparked a nine-month-long conflict in Gaza. A shadowy figure who has managed to evade numerous Israeli assassination attempts, Mr. Deif has been a prime target for Israeli forces for many years.
Revered within certain Palestinian circles for his role in advancing Hamas’s military capabilities, Deif has become a symbol of the group’s resilience, consistently eluding capture despite being a high-priority target of one of the most formidable military powers in the Middle East.
On the day of the assault, Mr. Deif released a recorded speech, proclaiming that the operation was launched to signal an end to Israel’s unchecked aggression. In his address broadcasted on Hamas’s Al-Aqsa TV, he urged fighters to confront the enemy, stating, “Kill them wherever you find them. Remove this filth from your land and your sacred places. Fight and the angels fight with you.”
Backed by Iran, Hamas maintains a strong relationship with Mr. Deif, who has played a key role in strengthening these ties over the years.
Rarely seen in public and with few available photos, Mr. Deif has managed to maintain a low profile. In a rare instance in January, the Israeli army released an image claiming to be of him, depicting him resting under a tree with a bundle of cash.
