It is no coincidence that Mohammed Deif is nicknamed “the shadow”. Israel pursues him, tries to eliminate him, sometimes “grazes” him, but the Hamas military leader offers covert resistance. Haunted by other “shadows”: uncontrollable rumors, imperfect news, false information.
The army has obtained recent videos in which the Al-Qassam Brigades leader appears to be in good condition. He has a slight limp but does not appear to have suffered any major mutilation or physical impairment. In the past it was said that he was half paralyzed, then lost a leg and an arm in Israeli attacks. Instead, the videos published by journalist Ben Caspit tell a different story. Military sources commented on the revelation saying they were not surprised: they knew that the movement's strategist was in excellent health.
The militiaman has been the target of numerous attacks over the years carried out by the Israeli Air Force based on intelligence information. At least seven episodes – say the media – actions that, however, did not neutralize the great wanted man. Each time, the reconstructions added details about the commander's (suspected) injuries. And they also suspected that he was treated abroad and then returned to Gaza through a tunnel under the border with Egypt. Details that are difficult to confirm, details that helped increase his reputation.
Reality speaks for Deif: since the mid-90s he has been a protagonist of the armed wing of the faction, he has improved the quality of the “battalions”, he has created the defense system developed on the tunnels, he has developed the logistics able to to produce weapons in the Gaza Strip. From missiles to anti-tank missiles. Finally, he coordinated the attack on October 7th, which was prepared over a long period of time without the enemy realizing (or wanting) the impending threat.
Deif, who has a hundred thousand dollar reward on his head, may be hidden in the Khan Younis area to the south. And perhaps Yahya Sinwar, Hamas' political leader, isn't too far away either. Channel Canale 13 claimed that he managed to evade capture at least twice through the network of tunnels created in the large refugee camp. For Jerusalem, one of the primary goals is the decapitation of the enemy hierarchy for reasons of war and propaganda. Many people are aware that the removal of executives often has little impact on established organizations.
Recent reports from the “front” have revealed how Hamas and Jihad have prepared cores that can fight individually or autonomously. In the northern sector, the Palestinian units suffered losses, many officers were killed; However, the mujahideen continued the campaign of attrition, which they entrusted to small teams with RPG launchers, grenades and ordnance. Around 130 Israeli soldiers died in the fighting.