Two months ago, Israel claimed victory in its hunt for Mohammed Deif, Hamas's elusive military chief. But on Sunday, Hamas official Osama Hamdan told Al Jazeera that Deif is "alive and well and continuing his work," directly challenging Israel's announcement of his demise.
This isn't just a vague claim. Hamdan insists Deif is actively involved in Hamas operations. If it's true, it would mean that Deif just survived his 8th assassination attempt (which date as far back as the 1990s), each time emerging as a symbol of resilience for Hamas supporters.
But while Hamas pushes this narrative, a parallel story is unfolding. The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat has reported on Israel's alleged methods for tracking Deif. According to Palestinian sources cited by the paper, Israel obtained critical information from detained relatives of Hamas officials. These detainees, held at a base in Sde Teiman, reportedly underwent harsh interrogations, revealing details about Deif's whereabouts and those of other Hamas operatives.
The report suggests Israel pieced together its intelligence puzzle using photos of Deif and Rafaa Salameh, Hamas's Khan Yunis Brigade Commander. Detainees allegedly pointed out locations Salameh visited, including the compound where he and Deif were said to have been killed.
This method of intelligence gathering doesn't stop at Deif. The same sources suggest Israel is using similar tactics to locate the bodies of hostages.
Earlier reports had also claimed that a Hamas mail courier turned informant, providing information about tunnels and weapons in Rafah, as well as the whereabouts of other Hamas leaders.
Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, maintain they have solid evidence of Deif's death, though they haven't provided details publicly.
This standoff over Deif's fate isn't just about one man. It's tied to larger questions about Hamas's current capabilities and leadership structure. If Deif is alive, it could mean Hamas's command and control is more intact than Israel has claimed. If he's dead, it would represent a significant blow to the group's military wing.
Whether he is dead or alive, Deif remains a central figure in the psychological warfare between Hamas and Israel, his very existence – or lack thereof – a symbol of the enduring conflict.