Israel
Hamas commander pictured for first time in years in uncovered photo
Mohammed Deif, known as The Shadow, is one of Israel’s most wanted
December 28, 2023 12:07
Mohammed Deif, known as The Shadow, is one of Israel’s most wanted
December 28, 2023 12:07An uncovered photo has offered a glimpse into the life of Hamas Commander Mohammed Deif for the first time in years.
Deif – known as The Shadow – is the commander of the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas who were behind the October 7 attacks.
Israel’s Channel 12 news reported the photo of Deif on Wednesday. The report did not reveal when the photo was taken, but Ynet news reported it was from 2018, and likely snapped at a social event.
One of the only public photos of the commander, it appears to show him missing an eye. The report claimed he is also missing a leg; the result of assassination attempts by Israeli forces.
However, the authenticity of the photo cannot be independently verified.
Israeli officials also think Deif sometimes still uses a wheelchair because of various attempts on his life. It comes after IDF troops found wheelchairs they believe were used by Deif in a tunnel network uncovered in Gaza’ City’s Rimal neighbourhood.
Deif is believed to have been behind countless terror attacks, including bus bombings in the 1990s and 2000s.
He is one of Israel’s most wanted, and earlier this month, Israeli forces offered $100,000 for information on the terrorists’ whereabouts.
Since 2001, Deif has survived five assassination attempts, including one in 2006 which had been believed to result in the loss of his legs.
A report last week, though, suggested he still had the use of both legs.
In 2014, an attempt on his life narrowly missed him, instead killing his wife and children.
Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, would not comment when asked whether the photo suggested they were getting closer to finding him.
Deif is understood to be one of the IDF’s key targets, as they seek to root out and destroy the terror group’s top leadership.