Mohammed Deif
Commander of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades (Hamas military wing)
"This is the day of the greatest battle to end the last occupation on earth."
Biography
The most elusive figure in Hamas's history, Mohammed Deif had survived at least seven Israeli assassination attempts — losing an eye, several fingers, and suffering severe injuries — over three decades as Hamas's military commander. He was the strategic architect of Hamas's tunnel network and rocket arsenal, and alongside Sinwar, the operational planner of October 7. He was killed on July 13, 2024 in an IDF airstrike in Khan Younis that also killed an estimated 90 civilians — a strike that triggered international condemnation but eliminated the man who had evaded Israel longer than any other target.
Did you know?
He survived seven confirmed Israeli assassination attempts across 30 years — losing an eye and multiple fingers — making him one of the most persistently targeted individuals in modern military history.
Key Battles
October 7 Attack
Hamas / Palestinian Factions victoryOctober 7, 2023 · 1,500 total casualties
The most deadly attack on Jewish people since the Holocaust. The failure of Israel's surveillance and barrier system — considered state-of-the-art — was a catastrophic intelligence failure. The attack triggered Israel's declaration of war, the largest military mobilization since 1973, and a military campaign that would reshape Gaza entirely.
Battle of Khan Younis
Israel / IDF victoryDecember 2023 – April 2024 · 20,000 total casualties
Khan Younis was the operational center of Hamas's military command. The battle's intensity and civilian cost drove the ICJ's emergency orders demanding Israel ensure humanitarian access. The hostage crisis became increasingly acute as families of the remaining captives held mass protests in Tel Aviv.
Life Journey
Timeline
1965
🌅 Birth
Born in Khan Younis refugee camp
2002
📍 Posting
Becomes commander of al-Qassam Brigades, Gaza
October 7, 2023
⚔️ Battle
Announces Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Gaza
July 13, 2024
✝️ Death
Killed in IDF airstrike, Khan Younis