#Gravitas As per reports, a missile attack targeted a U.S. air base in Conoco gas field in Syria's Deir Al-Zor province. The attack, allegedly carried out by Iran-backed Militias, involved six shells landing near the base, prompting the U.S.-led coalition to respond with artillery fire. U.S. warplanes were also observed flying over the area in the aftermath.

US troops injured in Iran-backed attack | Gravitas

Is the region of West Asia witnessing another broad but quiet war? In the latest, according to report of common missile attack targeted an American Air Base in Conoco gas field in Syria's Deir al-Zor province. Watch in for more details!

US air bases under attack in the Middle East: Quiet conflict brewing in West Asia?

Hindu groups in Dhaka and other parts of the world are protesting against the alleged ongoing genocide of the community in Bangladesh after the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Watch in for more details!

Bangladesh: Over 200 attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, says report

The sudden and devastating terror attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 gave Israel what it called its "9/11 moment". The mastermind who planned this massive assault and gave&nbsp;the operation the name "Al Aqsa Flood" was Mohammed Deif, a Palestinian militant and Israel's most wanted man.&nbsp;

As Hamas fired thousands of rockets from the Gaza strip on Saturday (Oct 7), an audio tape broadcast used the phrase Israel's most wanted man which clearly hinted that the attack was a retaliation for raids carried out at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa mosque by Israel.

<h2>Planning Operation Al Aqsa Flood&nbsp;</h2>

In May 2021, after an Israeli raid carried out on Al Aqsa mosque enraged the Arab and Muslim world, Deif started planning the operation this past weekend, which led to the killing of 1,200 Israelis and injured more than 2,700, as per Reuters.

"It was triggered by scenes and footage of Israel storming Al Aqsa mosque during Ramadan, beating worshippers, attacking them, dragging elderly and young men out of the mosque. All this fuelled and ignited the anger," stated a source in Gaza.&nbsp;

Deif, who has survived seven Israeli assassination attempts - the most recent to have taken place in 2021 - speaks rarely and has never appeared in public. However, on Saturday he spoke to the Palestinians through Hamas' TV channel, signalling something significant was to take place.

"Today the rage of Al Aqsa, the rage of our people and nation is exploding. Our mujahedeen (fighters), today is your day to make this criminal understand that his time has ended," Deif was heard saying in the recording.

In the public domain, only three images of Deif are available - one in his 20s, another of him masked, and the third one is the image of his shadow, which the TV used when broadcasting the audio tape.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas</a>

The militant's whereabouts are unknown, although he is most likely staying inside Gaza under the enclave. An Israeli security source stated that Deif had direct involvement in the operational and planning aspects of the attack.

As per reports, one of the homes hit in the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza belonged to the father of Deif. Deif's two other family members and brother were killed in the attack.&nbsp;

<h2>Two brains, but one mastermind of attack</h2>

Deif, the commander of Hamas' Al Qassam Brigades and Yehya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, took the decision to plan and execute the attack, according to reports. 
 
However, Deif was said to be the architect of the attack. &nbsp;

Addressing the people in a calm voice, Deif, in his recording, said that Israel has been repeatedly warned by Hamas to end its crimes against Palestinians and release the prisoners, who he claimed were tortured and abused, and to stop its expropriation of Palestinian land.

"Every day the occupation storm our villages, towns and cities in the West Bank and raid houses, kill, injure, destroy and detain. At the same time, it confiscates thousands of acres of our land, uproots our people from their houses to build settlements while its criminal siege continues on Gaza," he said.&nbsp; 
 
Deif stated that Hamas had appealed to the international community to stop the "crimes of the occupation", however, Israel continued to increase its provocation. He further stated that Hamas in the past had appealed to Israel to finalise a humanitarian deal for releasing Palestinian prisoners, however, this was rejected.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-gaza-strip-and-the-struggle-for-survival-for-millions-of-its-residents-645290">Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents</a>

"In light of the orgy of occupation and its denial of international laws and resolutions, and in light of American and Western support and international silence, we've decided to put an end to all this," he stated.

<h2>Man in the shadows&nbsp;</h2>

Deif was born in 1965 in the Khan Yunis Refugee Camp, which was established after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.

He was born as Mohammad Masri and later came to be known as Mohammed Deif after he joined Hamas during the first Palestinian uprising or Intifada, which started in 1987.

Israel arrested Deif in1989 after which he spent about 16 months in detention, said a Hamas source, reported Reuters.

Deif completed a degree in science from the Islamic University in Gaza, where he studied biology, chemistry and physics.&nbsp;

He was also interested in arts and headed the entertainment committee of the university and performed comedy plays on the stage.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War | No way out for civilians in Gaza as Egypt closes Rafah crossing

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-no-way-out-for-civilians-in-gaza-as-egypt-closes-rafah-crossing-645306/embed" width="560"></iframe>

While rising up the ranks of Hamas, Deif developed the network of tunnels of the group and improvised its bomb-making expertise. &nbsp;

He has been on the top of the most wanted list in Israel for decades and has been accused of causing the deaths of dozens of Israelis through suicide bombings.

Deif has stayed in the shadows for a long time because of the risk of death he faces. Hamas sources stated that he sustained serious injuries in one leg and lost an eye in one of the assassination attempts by Israel.&nbsp;

In an Israeli air strike carried out in 2014, his wife, seven-month-old son, and three-year-old daughter were killed.

In the videos, he appeared either masked, or just a shadow of the man can be seen.

"He is elusive. He is the man in the shadows," the source said. On August 1, 2024, the Israeli military confirmed that Deif was killed in a strike carried out in the southern area of Khan Yunis in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The sudden and devastating terror attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 gave Israel what it called its "9/11 moment". The mastermind who planned this massive assault and gave the operation the name "Al Aqsa Flood" was Mohammed Deif, a Palestinian militant and Israel's most wanted man.

The sudden and devastating terror attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 gave Israel what it called its "9/11 moment". The mastermind who planned this massive assault and gave the operation the name "Al Aqsa Flood" was Mohammed Deif, a Palestinian militant and Israel's most wanted man. As Hamas fired thousands of rockets from the Gaza strip on Saturday (Oct 7), an audio tape broadcast used the phrase Israel's most wanted man which clearly hinted that the attack was a retaliation for raids carried out at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa mosque by Israel. Planning Operation Al Aqsa Flood In May 2021, after an Israeli raid carried out on Al Aqsa mosque enraged the Arab and Muslim world, Deif started planning the operation this past weekend, which led to the killing of 1,200 Israelis and injured more than 2,700, as per Reuters. "It was triggered by scenes and footage of Israel storming Al Aqsa mosque during Ramadan, beating worshippers, attacking them, dragging elderly and young men out of the mosque. All this fuelled and ignited the anger," stated a source in Gaza. Deif, who has survived seven Israeli assassination attempts - the most recent to have taken place in 2021 - speaks rarely and has never appeared in public. However, on Saturday he spoke to the Palestinians through Hamas' TV channel, signalling something significant was to take place. "Today the rage of Al Aqsa, the rage of our people and nation is exploding. Our mujahedeen (fighters), today is your day to make this criminal understand that his time has ended," Deif was heard saying in the recording. In the public domain, only three images of Deif are available - one in his 20s, another of him masked, and the third one is the image of his shadow, which the TV used when broadcasting the audio tape. Also read: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas The militant's whereabouts are unknown, although he is most likely staying inside Gaza under the enclave. An Israeli security source stated that Deif had direct involvement in the operational and planning aspects of the attack. As per reports, one of the homes hit in the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza belonged to the father of Deif. Deif's two other family members and brother were killed in the attack. Two brains, but one mastermind of attack Deif, the commander of Hamas' Al Qassam Brigades and Yehya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, took the decision to plan and execute the attack, according to reports. However, Deif was said to be the architect of the attack. Addressing the people in a calm voice, Deif, in his recording, said that Israel has been repeatedly warned by Hamas to end its crimes against Palestinians and release the prisoners, who he claimed were tortured and abused, and to stop its expropriation of Palestinian land. "Every day the occupation storm our villages, towns and cities in the West Bank and raid houses, kill, injure, destroy and detain. At the same time, it confiscates thousands of acres of our land, uproots our people from their houses to build settlements while its criminal siege continues on Gaza," he said. Deif stated that Hamas had appealed to the international community to stop the "crimes of the occupation", however, Israel continued to increase its provocation. He further stated that Hamas in the past had appealed to Israel to finalise a humanitarian deal for releasing Palestinian prisoners, however, this was rejected. Also read: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents "In light of the orgy of occupation and its denial of international laws and resolutions, and in light of American and Western support and international silence, we've decided to put an end to all this," he stated. Man in the shadows Deif was born in 1965 in the Khan Yunis Refugee Camp, which was established after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. He was born as Mohammad Masri and later came to be known as Mohammed Deif after he joined Hamas during the first Palestinian uprising or Intifada, which started in 1987. Israel arrested Deif in1989 after which he spent about 16 months in detention, said a Hamas source, reported Reuters. Deif completed a degree in science from the Islamic University in Gaza, where he studied biology, chemistry and physics. He was also interested in arts and headed the entertainment committee of the university and performed comedy plays on the stage. WATCH | Israel-Palestine War | No way out for civilians in Gaza as Egypt closes Rafah crossing While rising up the ranks of Hamas, Deif developed the network of tunnels of the group and improvised its bomb-making expertise. He has been on the top of the most wanted list in Israel for decades and has been accused of causing the deaths of dozens of Israelis through suicide bombings. Deif has stayed in the shadows for a long time because of the risk of death he faces. Hamas sources stated that he sustained serious injuries in one leg and lost an eye in one of the assassination attempts by Israel. In an Israeli air strike carried out in 2014, his wife, seven-month-old son, and three-year-old daughter were killed. In the videos, he appeared either masked, or just a shadow of the man can be seen. "He is elusive. He is the man in the shadows," the source said. On August 1, 2024, the Israeli military confirmed that Deif was killed in a strike carried out in the southern area of Khan Yunis in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: Who was Mohammed Deif? The Hamas mastermind behind brutal attack on Israel

The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday morning issued fresh evacuation orders to Palestinians in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, including in sections of the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone, citing intelligence that Hamas terrorists were operating in the area.

Israel war: 30 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah

The areas around Houston, Texas in the United States are being lashed by heavy rains, but the residents are worried about the downpours leading to the emergence of poisonous,&nbsp;foot-long worms&nbsp;which are a nightmare because they regenerate when cut in half.

The hammerhead flatworm is known to secrete toxins which can lead to skin irritation in humans if they touch it.

The worm thrives in hot tropical climates and can become poisonous for pets if they ingest it. They are known to carry parasites and are generally found on roads, sidewalks and lawns after rains flush them from their underground burrows.

<h2>Here's how residents should deal with poisonous flatworm</h2>

However, experts have warned the residents not to cut them into pieces, while trying to kill them.

Speaking to KHOU, Texas Invasive Species Institute's Ashley Morgan-Olvera said, “It will regenerate. So if you chop it into two pieces, you get two worms."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-alien-blood-worm-appears-on-us-beach-watchers-call-the-marine-monster-a-nightmare-740556">Watch: Alien 'blood worm' appears on US beach, watchers call marine monster a 'nightmare'</a>

The people have been asked to instead put on a pair of gloves and collect the worms in a plastic bag along with salt and vinegar or citrus oil and let them freeze overnight.

Even after the worm is dead, people have been advised not to touch it. In case, one comes in contact with the worm, they are advised to immediately rinse the affected area with water and soap, and then use a douse of hand sanitiser.

<h2>All about the hammerhead worm</h2>

The hammerhead worm is also called arrowhead or shovelhead. It has been named so because of its strange head shape which appears similar to hammerhead shark. These worms can grow nearly 15 inches long and have at times been confused with snakes.

These worms prey on earthworms which are important for crops, gardens and natural environments. 
&nbsp; 
Speaking to KHOU, Mississippi State University's entomology expert Dr. Blake Layton Jr. said that the worms paralyse the earthworms by covering them with their toxic slime before they stretch out their “mouth” over part of the body of the earthworm and digest it.

Watch:&nbsp;Decoding Vulturing: All about the toxic dating trend

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-vulturing-all-about-the-toxic-dating-trend-737350/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The disabling toxin is similar to the poison which leads to skin irritation in humans and also makes animals sick. These worms are also able to reproduce asexually.&nbsp;

“A portion of the rear of the worm breaks off and grows a new head, producing a new flatworm genetically identical to its parent — a literal ‘chip off the old block,’” said Dr. Layton.

(With inputs from agencies)

The areas around Houston, Texas in the United States are being lashed by heavy rains, but the residents are worried about the downpours leading to the emergence of poisonous, foot-long worms which are a nightmare because they regenerate when cut in half.

The areas around Houston, Texas in the United States are being lashed by heavy rains, but the residents are worried about the downpours leading to the emergence of poisonous, foot-long worms which are a nightmare because they regenerate when cut in half. The hammerhead flatworm is known to secrete toxins which can lead to skin irritation in humans if they touch it. The worm thrives in hot tropical climates and can become poisonous for pets if they ingest it. They are known to carry parasites and are generally found on roads, sidewalks and lawns after rains flush them from their underground burrows. Here's how residents should deal with poisonous flatworm However, experts have warned the residents not to cut them into pieces, while trying to kill them. Speaking to KHOU, Texas Invasive Species Institute's Ashley Morgan-Olvera said, “It will regenerate. So if you chop it into two pieces, you get two worms." Also Read: Watch: Alien 'blood worm' appears on US beach, watchers call marine monster a 'nightmare' The people have been asked to instead put on a pair of gloves and collect the worms in a plastic bag along with salt and vinegar or citrus oil and let them freeze overnight. Even after the worm is dead, people have been advised not to touch it. In case, one comes in contact with the worm, they are advised to immediately rinse the affected area with water and soap, and then use a douse of hand sanitiser. All about the hammerhead worm The hammerhead worm is also called arrowhead or shovelhead. It has been named so because of its strange head shape which appears similar to hammerhead shark. These worms can grow nearly 15 inches long and have at times been confused with snakes. These worms prey on earthworms which are important for crops, gardens and natural environments. Speaking to KHOU, Mississippi State University's entomology expert Dr. Blake Layton Jr. said that the worms paralyse the earthworms by covering them with their toxic slime before they stretch out their “mouth” over part of the body of the earthworm and digest it. Watch: Decoding Vulturing: All about the toxic dating trend The disabling toxin is similar to the poison which leads to skin irritation in humans and also makes animals sick. These worms are also able to reproduce asexually. “A portion of the rear of the worm breaks off and grows a new head, producing a new flatworm genetically identical to its parent — a literal ‘chip off the old block,’” said Dr. Layton. (With inputs from agencies)

Alien-like poisonous worms, which multiply when cut in half, to attack Texas in rains

Yemeni rebels - Houthis - have released a video showing what they say is the Yafa drone, that they used in the attack on Tel Aviv on July 19. At least one person was killed and 10 others were injured after a long-range rocket hit an apartment building in Israel.

Israel-Houthi tensions: Houthis release footage of 'Yafa' drone used in an attack on Tel Aviv

Israel said it shot down a missile launched from Yemen on Sunday and the Yemeni Houthi movement said it had fired several rockets at the Israeli city of Eilat after Israel's first public strike against the Iran-aligned group a day earlier.

Israel-Houthi tensions: Israel flexes it military muscle

Mossad chief David Barnea told a security cabinet meeting Tuesday that young female hostages held by Hamas don’t have time to wait for a new hostage deal framework, according to unsourced leaks from the gathering that were widely reported by Hebrew media outlets Wednesday.

Israel-Hamas war | No time to wait: Mossad urges hostage deal

Israel hostage deal: Concerns over hostages being raped in captivity

Israel-Hamas War: Knesset passes resolution rejecting Palestinian State

Lebanon Hezbollah fired a barrage of rockets on Israel on Tuesday while the group has claimed responsibility for the assault they said it comes in retaliation to Israeli strikes that killed five people including three children in southern Lebanon.

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Hezbollah rains rockets in Israeli territories

Islamic State claims responsibility for an attack at a Shiite Muslim mosque in Oman, where at least six people, including a policeman, were killed and 28 wounded, in a rare terror operation in one of the most stable countries in the Middle East, the jihadist group says in a statement on Telegram. Watch in for more details!

Oman mosque attack: Islamic state claims attack

Oman mosque attack: Iran condemns attack on Muscat Mosque

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Hezbollah claims responsibility for attacks on Israeli territories

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: At least 80 Hezbollah rockets strike Israel

As the Israel-Hamas tensions continue to rise the militant group has now said that they are withdrawing from the truce talks. It follows the killing of at least 15 people after Israeli strikes hit an UN-run School Sheltering displaced Gazans.

Israel-Hamas war: School attack comes after attack in Al Mawasi

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas withdraws from truce talks after Al Mawasi attack

Former US President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after a series of gunshots were fired at his campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania today. Watch to know more.

Trump rally shooting: What we know so far

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that he will not accept any truce steal that endangers Israel's security and this comes as Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed on an interim governance plan for Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas continues to warn against Gaza attacks

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu wary of Hamas truce deal

The Israeli military on Thursday released the results of its first internal probe into the Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, admitting to major failings in the defense of Kibbutz Beeri, a hard-hit town on the Gaza border, but falling short of holding individual commanders to account and leaving key questions unanswered.

Israel war: IDF released first report on October 7 attack failures

Tech giant Apple has issued a fresh warning to iPhone users in at least 98 countries, including in India, about a potential new mercenary spyware attack like 'Pegasus'.

Apple warns iPhone users in 98 countries about spyware attack

Palestinians recently freed from the IDF detention have claimed that Israeli authorities are engaging in systematic abuse of those in captivity. The allegations leveled up by these former detainees include intimidation harassment assault and even the withholding of vital medical treatment.

Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian detainees allege abuse by Israel

The Jerusalem District Court's recent ruling mandates Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu to begin his testimony on December 2, 2024, despite his attempts to delay it under the pretext of an ongoing war against Hamas.

Gravitas | Israeli court directs Netanyahu to start trial

Reports have suggested major cracks in Israel's war cabinet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's close associates have reportedly been deliberating the possible ouster of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Yoav Gallant to be ousted?

Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed on an interim governance plan for Gaza in the second phase of a potential hostage deal. The Washington Post is reporting that both sides have agreed to hand over control to a new Palestinian Force but on the ground deadly strikes continue to pound Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Fresh attack by Israel amid truce talks

The Biden administration will send 500-pound bombs to Israel that had been held up since May over concerns about the Rafah invasion. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas War: US to send 500-pound bombs to Israel?

Israel-Hamas War: Truce negotiations underway in Doha

Israel and Hamas have reportedly signalled their agreement that neither of them would rule in Gaza during the second phase of a potential ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas War: Reports claim Israel & Hamas strike Gaza interim govt deal

With truce talks looming Israel continues with its onslaught in the central Gaza strip. An Israeli strike hit a market in Nuseirat Camp troops tanks and aircraft engaged in combat in Gaza's biggest urban area. The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas continues to witness more devastation. In fresh air strikes the IDF said it laid ways to a cohort of Hamas and Palestinian jihadists at a school in Nuseirat Camp in central Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: 31 killed in attack on school in Khan Younis

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