Mohammed Deif

Mohammed Deif. Credit: ‘וואלה!’ FB page.

Mohammed Deif, born Mohammed Diab Ibrahim al-Masri in 1965 in Khan Younis refugee camp, in the Gaza Strip, and has been a significant figure in the Middle East’s tumultuous history. His life, characterized by a blend of early struggles and a controversial militant career, encapsulates the complexities of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

Early Life: Struggle and Education

Deif’s early life was marked by hardship and perseverance. Born in a family with roots in al-Qubeiba, Deif faced the challenges of living in a refugee camp. To support his low-income family, he worked in upholstery with his father and even started a small poultry farm. Despite these challenges, he was able to pursue education, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the Islamic University of Gaza in 1988.

Militant Career: Joining Hamas and Early Activities

Deif’s path took a significant turn in 1987 when he joined Hamas, just weeks after its establishment during the First Intifada. His involvement with the group led to his arrest by Israeli authorities in 1989. After 16 months of detention, he was released in a prisoner exchange, a pivotal moment that saw him help establish the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas​​.

Leadership of the al-Qassam Brigades

El Qasam Terrorists. Credit: Halima sadia’s FB page.

Deif’s ascension to the leadership of the al-Qassam Brigades came after the assassination of Salah Shehade in July 2002 by Israel. Despite being seriously wounded in an Israeli assassination attempt, which led to his deputy Ahmed Jabari taking over command between July 2006 and November 2012, Deif’s influence remained significant. In September 2015, the US Department of State added Deif, along with three other Hamas leaders, to the American list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists​​.

Strategic Transformation

Under Deif’s leadership, the al-Qassam Brigades transformed from a group of amateur cells to organized military units capable of conducting operations against Israel. He is credited with developing the ‘above and below’ strategy, which involved attacking Israeli territory with rockets and constructing underground tunnels for infiltrating Israel’s borders​​.

The 2023 Israel–Hamas War: Deif’s Role

In the context of the Arab-Israeli conflict, Deif’s role in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war stands out. As the highest-ranking leader of the al-Qassam Brigades, he orchestrated a surprise attack on Israel, initiating the war.

Legacy and Controversy

Deif’s legacy is one of controversy and complexity. He is a widely recognized terrorist, responsible for promoting terror and targeting civilians over three decades. His involvement in planning suicide bombings and attacks, such as the October 7th massacre. His development of the “Over and Under” attack method, which included constructing underground attack tunnels for Hamas terrorists to infiltrate Israel and firing rockets toward Israeli territory, further cements his legacy as a figure of terror​​.

In conclusion, Mohammed Deif’s life and career reflect the deep-seated complexities and ongoing strife of the Arab-Israeli conflict. From his early struggles in a refugee camp to his controversial role as the leader of the al-Qassam Brigades, his story is intertwined with the broader narrative of the Hamas-Israel military conflict.