Israeli media has recently unveiled an image, reportedly the first in three decades, of Mohammed Deif, the elusive commander of Hamas' military wing, who has managed to escape numerous assassination attempts.
The photograph was initially released by Channel 12 on Wednesday and is believed to have been procured by Israeli forces during their combat against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as reported by The Times of Israel.
The image, dating back to 2018, is speculated to have been taken at a social gathering, according to Ynetnews and The Times of Israel. "I won't address the publication about Mohammed Deif. We need to locate him and eliminate him as soon as possible," stated IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari to Ynetnews. "It's a task that must be carried out. During operational activity in Gaza, we located a lot of intelligence material, mainly in underground tunnels."
i24 News reports that this alleged image of Deif is the first new one to emerge in 30 years. The photograph depicts a man in a forested area with one eye closed. Fox News has yet to confirm its authenticity.
Deif is believed to have been wheelchair-bound since an Israeli attack in 2006, during which he lost an eye and an arm. As the leading commander of Hamas military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Deif, 58, is suspected to have played a significant role in planning the brutal Oct. 7 attacks that instigated the Israel-Hamas war.
Deif, a master bombmaker, has been instrumental in enhancing Hamas military capabilities, as per Israeli military and intelligence officials. His contributions include the expansion of its rocket arsenal and attack strategy, as well as the design of the subterranean tunnel system, which extends for miles beneath the coastal enclave and which Israel is currently attempting to eliminate.
Despite being a high-value target, Deif has consistently evaded Israeli forces, surviving several assassination attempts. In mid-December, Israel disseminated leaflets over Gaza, offering cash rewards up to $1 million for information leading to the capture of Hamas' top leadership.
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar tops the list with a reward of $400,000, followed by his brother, Muhammed, who commands Hamas forces in southern Gaza, with a reward of $300,000. The leaflets also offer $200,000 for Rafaa Salameh, who commands the Khan Yunis Battalion, and $100,000 for Deif, as reported by the Tazpit Press Service.
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