Hamas mastermind Mohammed Deif

Mohammed Deif, the man behind Hamas’ deadly assault on Israel, released an audio tape on the day of the attack, calling it payback for Israeli raids in 2021 on Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque
           

May 2021: Israel storms Al-Aqsa mosque (above), enraging Arab world. Mohammed Deif (inset left) begins planning operation to avenge attack

1965: Born as Mohammad Masri, Deif grows up in Palestinian refugee camp of Khan Younis in Gaza

1987: Deif joins Hamas movement during first Intifada, or Palestinian uprising

1988: Graduates from Islamic University of Gaza with degree in science. Known for his love of acting, Deif creates Islamic theatre group al-Ayedun during this time

1989: Arrested by Israel for involvement with Hamas, jailed for 16 months. On release, Deif establishes al-Qassam Brigades with Yehya Sinwar (inset right), Hamas leader in Gaza. Hamas source says decision to mount October 7 attack is taken jointly by Deif and Sinwar

1990s: Rising through Hamas ranks, Deif develops network of tunnels and bomb-making expertise. Deif designs Qassam rocket

2002: At height of second Palestinian intifada, Deif is appointed head of al-Qassam Brigades
               
2005: Qassam 3 developed
2.4m-long rocket fuelled by mixture of sugar and fertiliser. Warhead carries 8kg of TNT and urea nitrate.
Range: 10-12km

2014: Israeli air strike kills Deif’s wife, seven-month-old son, and three-year-old daughter

2021: Deif believed seriously injured in seventh Israeli assassination attempt since 2001
                      
                      
Sources: Asharq Al-Awsat, Global Security, Reuters, Washington Post 
Pictures: Asharq Al-Awsat, Getty Images, Twitter 
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