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

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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)

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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

In a sign of major escalation in the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly ordered a direct assault on Israel in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday, according to three officials briefed on the order. Watch in for more details!

Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh's killing stirs fear of retaliation | Prepared for any scenario: Netanyahu

Iran’s Islamic Paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a statement early on July 31 that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. They added that Haniyeh's residence in Tehran was “hit” early Wednesday morning, and he was killed along with a bodyguard.

Ismail Haniyeh assassinated: Haniyeh targetted at his residence, says IRGC; confirms his death

Headlines of the hour: - Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh killed - Haniyeh's killing under probe - Hamas: Killing won't go unanswered - Maduro orders army patrol after protests - Harris erases Trump's swing-state lead - Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises - Bank of Japan hikes rates

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh assassinated | Wayanad landslides: Death toll rises

The Palestinian militant group Hamas confirmed that Ismail Haniyeh, their leader, was killed in Tehran, Iran, according to a statement released on Wednesday (July 31). Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed after his residence in Tehran, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a statement. A statement by the IRGC's Public Relations Department said the attack happened early on Wednesday and a probe is underway to find the cause of the incident. Watch in for more details!

Hamas group confirms Hamas' Chief Ismail Haniyeh's death, IRGC says 'investigating circumstances'

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday, an attack that drew threats of revenge on Israel and fuelled further concern that the conflict in Gaza was turning into a wider Middle East war. Watch in for more details!

What an all-out war between Israel & Iran could look like

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran: IRGC

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh along with his bodyguard killed in Tehran, IRGC confirms in statement

Israel has claimed to have killed Hezbollah's most senior military commander in its strike on Lebanon's capital Beirut. Hezbollah and Lebanese authorities have not yet confirmed the death. At least three people were killed in the Israeli strike targeting the Hezbollah commander. Watch to know more.

Top Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike on Beirut

The Palestinian militant group Hamas confirmed that&nbsp;their leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, Iran.

Israel on Tuesday (Jul&nbsp;30) announced that it has "eliminated" Faud Shukr, an elusive Hezbollah military commander.&nbsp;

In other news,&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron landed in another controversy after he was caught kissing and embracing Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra.

Click on the links to read more...

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-killed-in-tehran-irgc-confirms-fatal-attack-on-his-residence-745761">Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran: IRGC confirms fatal attack</a>

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Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed at his residence&nbsp;in Tehran, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a statement

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-faud-shukr-the-hezbollah-senior-terrorist-israel-claims-to-have-eliminated-in-beirut-745752">Who is Faud Shukr? Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel says it 'eliminated'</a>

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Israel on Tuesday (Jul&nbsp;30) announced that it has "eliminated" Faud Shukr, an elusive Hezbollah military commander. Accusing Shukr of being behind the rocket strike on the annexed Golan strike.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-who-is-ismail-haniyeh-hamas-leader-who-masterminded-attack-on-israel-while-sitting-in-doha-646481">Explained | Who was Ismail Haniyeh? Hamas leader who masterminded attack on Israel, while sitting in Doha</a>

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Haniyeh's links with Hamas started in the mid-1990s.&nbsp;He rose through the positions of Hamas. Haniyeh's initiatives during the Second Intifada brought him to the forefront of Palestinian issues.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/macrons-intimate-kiss-and-hug-with-sports-minister-at-olympics-causes-stir-netizens-call-it-indecent-745765">Macron's intimate kiss and hug with sports minister at Olympics causes stir, netizens call it 'indecent'</a>

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French President Emmanuel Macron landed in another controversy after he was caught kissing and embracing Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra amid the 2024 Paris Olympic Games which raised many eyebrows and sent media into a frenzy.

Video:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-assassination-bid-acting-director-of-us-secret-service-admits-to-security-lapse-745743">Trump Assassination bid: Acting director of US Secret Service admits to security lapse</a>

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The Palestinian militant group Hamas confirmed that their leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, Iran. Israel on Tuesday (Jul 30) announced that it has "eliminated" Faud Shukr, an elusive Hezbollah military commander.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas confirmed that their leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, Iran. Israel on Tuesday (Jul 30) announced that it has "eliminated" Faud Shukr, an elusive Hezbollah military commander. In other news, French President Emmanuel Macron landed in another controversy after he was caught kissing and embracing Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra. Click on the links to read more... Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran: IRGC confirms fatal attack Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed at his residence in Tehran, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a statement Who is Faud Shukr? Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel says it 'eliminated' Israel on Tuesday (Jul 30) announced that it has "eliminated" Faud Shukr, an elusive Hezbollah military commander. Accusing Shukr of being behind the rocket strike on the annexed Golan strike. Explained | Who was Ismail Haniyeh? Hamas leader who masterminded attack on Israel, while sitting in Doha Haniyeh's links with Hamas started in the mid-1990s. He rose through the positions of Hamas. Haniyeh's initiatives during the Second Intifada brought him to the forefront of Palestinian issues. Macron's intimate kiss and hug with sports minister at Olympics causes stir, netizens call it 'indecent' French President Emmanuel Macron landed in another controversy after he was caught kissing and embracing Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra amid the 2024 Paris Olympic Games which raised many eyebrows and sent media into a frenzy. Video: Trump Assassination bid: Acting director of US Secret Service admits to security lapse ×

Morning news brief: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh dead; Macron's awkward kiss with sports minister; and more

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the Iranian capital Tehran on Wednesday, an attack that drew threats of revenge on Israel and fuelled further concern that the conflict in Gaza was turning into a wider Middle East war.

Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination: Iran's Supreme leader & President vow revenge

Israel-Hamas war: How and when is Iran planning to strike its enemy?

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination in Iran fuels fears of wider war

It was Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh who reportedly ordered the recent surprise assault on Israelis which soon turned into a full-blown war with thousands dead. What brought&nbsp;Haniyeh to the spotlight yet again was a viral video that started circulating on social media where the Hamas leader was seen watching the assault on Israel from his comfortable office, reportedly in Doha.

Some reports said that Haniyeh's move to lay this big an assault on Israel, widely recognised for having a robust and highly effective defence system, could be because of his ties with Iran and Qatar. So who was this man whose directions sitting in a different country have&nbsp;rattled Israel's strong defence capabilities?&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:184,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2173}">Who was Ismail Haniyeh?&nbsp;</h2>

First off, Haniyeh was quite rich. Reports suggest that it comes from the 20 per cent tax charged on all things entering through burrows from Egypt to the Gaza Strip. Haniyeh, was leading an extravagant way of life in Qatar, which many reports say was lending its support to Hamas.&nbsp;

Ismail Haniyeh was born on January 29, 1962, in the Shati exile camp in the Gaza Strip. His childhood was spent in a refugee camp. He grew up seeing how Palestinians continued looking for statehood against the backdrop of its long-standing conflict with Israel.

He did his schooling in establishments overseen by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

He concentrated on Arabic literature at the Islamic University of Gaza and became engaged with Hamas while at college.

He has likewise been engaged with the Muslim Brotherhood and was head of the students' council representing the Muslim Brotherhood while at college.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:511,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2500}">Rise as Hamas leader&nbsp;</h2>

Haniyeh's links with Hamas started in the mid-1990s.&nbsp;He rose through the positions of Hamas. Haniyeh's initiatives during the Second Intifada brought him to the front of Palestinian issues.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:605,&quot;w&quot;:633,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2594}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to escape Israel attack, many camping at hospital</a>

The Second Intifada was a period of intensified Palestinian-Israeli conflict that began in September 2000 and continued for several years.&nbsp;

After democratic elections in the Palestinian territories, Ismail Haniyeh became Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority in 2006.&nbsp;

On June 14, 2007, President Mahmoud Abbas removed Haniyeh from his position during the peak of the Fatah-Hamas conflict. However, Haniyeh did not recognize the decree and continued to wield the powers of the prime minister in the Gaza Strip.

There was a struggle under the surface among Hamas and its opponent, Fatah, which controlled the West Bank. This inner difficulty swelled into a brutal showdown in 2007, prompting the ejection of Fatah powers from Gaza.

<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:883,&quot;w&quot;:610,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2872}" href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/watch-ex-israeli-pm-naftali-bennett-loses-calm-during-interview-says-will-eradicate-nazi-hamas-646446">WATCH | Ex-Israeli PM Naftali Bennett loses calm during interview, says will eradicate 'Nazi' Hamas</a>

By September 2016, there were indications in reports that Haniyeh would succeed Khaled Mashal as the head of Hamas's Political Bureau. He was duly elected as the Chief of Hamas's Political Bureau on May 6, 2017.

Besides, Haniyeh and Hamas have been associated with clashes with Israel, including different military showdowns that have brought about the death toll and broad obliteration in the Gaza Strip.

Haniyeh has been captured by Israeli authorities on different occasions for his association with the Palestinian uprising against Israel.

Two former senior US officials have recently called for military action against Hamas supposedly being given a place of refuge in Doha. They said that a military move must be made if Qatari authorities do not hand the Hamas leaders over to the US or Israel.

Watch |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:64,&quot;y&quot;:1179,&quot;w&quot;:428,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:97,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3168}" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-humanitarian-situation-unmanageable-646475">Israel-Palestine war: Humanitarian situation 'unmanageable'</a>

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Mark Wallace, a former U.S. representative to the United Nations and head of the New York-based United Against Nuclear Iran said that the Hamas leaders “are operating in plain sight and within reach in the hands of our purported major non-NATO ally Qatar."&nbsp;

“We should not hesitate to act militarily on Qatari soil to bring to justice Ismail Haniyeh and Hamas leadership,” Wallace added.

The loss of life since Hamas sent off its terrorists within Israeli territories on Saturday (Oct 7) has been thousands in numbers.&nbsp;

As the death toll and atrocities on innocent civilians continue, Hamas boss Ismail Haniyeh said that the issue of prisoner swap will be handled after the war finishes.

Hinting at the negotiating country Qatar, the Hamas leader said that the “parties that have contacted us” and offered mediation through a prisoner swap but the militant group has voiced their choice to them.&nbsp;

Haniyeh also lauded the Gazans' perseverance and eagerness to forfeit themselves for the Palestinian reason. He has been engaged with Hamas and Fatah, as well as with other Palestinian factions. These are meant to address any political division that has impeded Palestinian goals for statehood.&nbsp;

The leadership of Haniyeh within Hamas is playing a significant role in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war. As the war situation undergoes continuous transformation, the world is closely monitoring Ismail Haniyeh's role in facilitating reconciliation, something which right now seems to be an out-of-reach prospect.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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It was Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh who reportedly ordered the recent surprise assault on Israelis which soon turned into a full-blown war with thousands dead. What brought Haniyeh to the spotlight yet again was a viral video that started circulating on social media where the Hamas leader was seen watching the assault on Israel from his comfortable office, reportedly in Doha.

It was Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh who reportedly ordered the recent surprise assault on Israelis which soon turned into a full-blown war with thousands dead. What brought Haniyeh to the spotlight yet again was a viral video that started circulating on social media where the Hamas leader was seen watching the assault on Israel from his comfortable office, reportedly in Doha. Some reports said that Haniyeh's move to lay this big an assault on Israel, widely recognised for having a robust and highly effective defence system, could be because of his ties with Iran and Qatar. So who was this man whose directions sitting in a different country have rattled Israel's strong defence capabilities? Who was Ismail Haniyeh? First off, Haniyeh was quite rich. Reports suggest that it comes from the 20 per cent tax charged on all things entering through burrows from Egypt to the Gaza Strip. Haniyeh, was leading an extravagant way of life in Qatar, which many reports say was lending its support to Hamas. Ismail Haniyeh was born on January 29, 1962, in the Shati exile camp in the Gaza Strip. His childhood was spent in a refugee camp. He grew up seeing how Palestinians continued looking for statehood against the backdrop of its long-standing conflict with Israel. He did his schooling in establishments overseen by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). He concentrated on Arabic literature at the Islamic University of Gaza and became engaged with Hamas while at college. He has likewise been engaged with the Muslim Brotherhood and was head of the students' council representing the Muslim Brotherhood while at college. Rise as Hamas leader Haniyeh's links with Hamas started in the mid-1990s. He rose through the positions of Hamas. Haniyeh's initiatives during the Second Intifada brought him to the front of Palestinian issues. Also Read | Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to escape Israel attack, many camping at hospital The Second Intifada was a period of intensified Palestinian-Israeli conflict that began in September 2000 and continued for several years. After democratic elections in the Palestinian territories, Ismail Haniyeh became Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority in 2006. On June 14, 2007, President Mahmoud Abbas removed Haniyeh from his position during the peak of the Fatah-Hamas conflict. However, Haniyeh did not recognize the decree and continued to wield the powers of the prime minister in the Gaza Strip. There was a struggle under the surface among Hamas and its opponent, Fatah, which controlled the West Bank. This inner difficulty swelled into a brutal showdown in 2007, prompting the ejection of Fatah powers from Gaza. WATCH | Ex-Israeli PM Naftali Bennett loses calm during interview, says will eradicate 'Nazi' Hamas By September 2016, there were indications in reports that Haniyeh would succeed Khaled Mashal as the head of Hamas's Political Bureau. He was duly elected as the Chief of Hamas's Political Bureau on May 6, 2017. Besides, Haniyeh and Hamas have been associated with clashes with Israel, including different military showdowns that have brought about the death toll and broad obliteration in the Gaza Strip. Haniyeh has been captured by Israeli authorities on different occasions for his association with the Palestinian uprising against Israel. Two former senior US officials have recently called for military action against Hamas supposedly being given a place of refuge in Doha. They said that a military move must be made if Qatari authorities do not hand the Hamas leaders over to the US or Israel. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Humanitarian situation 'unmanageable' × Mark Wallace, a former U.S. representative to the United Nations and head of the New York-based United Against Nuclear Iran said that the Hamas leaders “are operating in plain sight and within reach in the hands of our purported major non-NATO ally Qatar." “We should not hesitate to act militarily on Qatari soil to bring to justice Ismail Haniyeh and Hamas leadership,” Wallace added. The loss of life since Hamas sent off its terrorists within Israeli territories on Saturday (Oct 7) has been thousands in numbers. As the death toll and atrocities on innocent civilians continue, Hamas boss Ismail Haniyeh said that the issue of prisoner swap will be handled after the war finishes. Hinting at the negotiating country Qatar, the Hamas leader said that the “parties that have contacted us” and offered mediation through a prisoner swap but the militant group has voiced their choice to them. Haniyeh also lauded the Gazans' perseverance and eagerness to forfeit themselves for the Palestinian reason. He has been engaged with Hamas and Fatah, as well as with other Palestinian factions. These are meant to address any political division that has impeded Palestinian goals for statehood. The leadership of Haniyeh within Hamas is playing a significant role in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war. As the war situation undergoes continuous transformation, the world is closely monitoring Ismail Haniyeh's role in facilitating reconciliation, something which right now seems to be an out-of-reach prospect. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Explained | Who was Ismail Haniyeh? Hamas leader who masterminded attack on Israel, while sitting in Doha

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Top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr killed in Beirut airstrike: Israel

The Israeli military said its fighter jets "eliminated" Hezbollah military commander Fuad Shukr in the area of Beirut on Tuesday, accusing him of being responsible for a rocket strike on the annexed Golan Heights.

Israel claims it killed senior Hezbollah commander in strike on Beirut

Amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards have been killed in Tehran. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has confirmed the killings in a statement.

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh killed: Iran's Supreme leader Khamenei vows revenge, warns Israel

The strained relationship between Iran and Israel hit another significant low when the Hamas chief and the man who had orchestrated the October 7 attacks - Ismail Haniyeh - was killed in "a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran" on July 30 (Tuesday).

Soon after Haniyeh was killed, Israeli Minister Amichay Eliyahu reacted to the news on X and said, "This is the right way to clean the world from this filth."

Haniyeh was the face of Hamas, a Palestinian terror group which is believed to have received massive support from Iran. The killing of the Hamas leader has led to diplomatic discomfiture because of his presence in Tehran and Iran's failure to protect him.

Haniyeh's death is likely to affect the ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas and has once again reminded the world of the ongoing covert war between Iran and Israel through proxies and targeted assassinations.&nbsp;

It has also raised questions over the safety of Iran's&nbsp;top leaders and the capability of Israel in targetting them.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-killed-in-tehran-irgc-confirms-fatal-attack-on-his-residence-745761">Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in a ' treacherous Zionist raid' in Tehran: IRGC confirms fatal attack</a>

In recent years, various high-profile assassinations and attacks have been carried out by Israel in Iran. In retaliation, Iran has also attacked Israel and launched missiles at it.&nbsp;

<h2>Let's look back at the attacks allegedly carried out by Israel on Iran:</h2>

On January 12, 2010, Tehran University's physics professor Masoud Ali Mohammadi lost his life after a remote-controlled bomb - which was planted on a motorcycle - went off. Iran's government called him a nuclear scientist but said he was not working for the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran. Iran blamed Israel and the United States for the killing.

Nearly 30,000 computers of at least 14 nuclear&nbsp;facilities were infected with the Stuxnet computer virus, which was detected at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in June 2010. The virus led to an explosion of engines in IR-1 centrifuges and at least 1,000 centrifuges installed at Natanz were destroyed.

Another virus, nicknamed ‘Stars,’ was detected by Iran’s cyber defence in April 2011 for damaging nuclear facilities.&nbsp;

Two gunmen killed an electrical engineer Darioush Rezaeinejad on July 23, 2011. He was reported to be working at a national security research facility. However, Iran denied Darioush's involvement in the nuclear programme.&nbsp;

Chemical engineering graduate Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan was killed by two people on a motorbike after they planted a bomb in his car on January 11, 2012, in northern Tehran. This time, Iran accepted that Ahmadi Roshan was the Natanz Uranium Enrichment facility's supervisor.

The “Wiper” malware was detected by Iran in April 2012 after it cleared all data from the hard drives of computers that belonged to the oil ministry and the National Iranian Oil Company.

Another virus, called ‘Flame,’&nbsp;was found by Iran on May 9, 2012, after it hit government computers and made an attempt to steal data.

A warehouse - which contained a vast archive of nuclear programmes carried out in Iran - was raided by a Mossad team on January 31, 2018, in Tehran. In the raid, around 50,000 pages and 163 compact discs were smuggled out of the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on April 30 that they had some 100,000 “secret files that prove” Iran had a nuclear weapons programme.&nbsp;

Iran’s main nuclear enrichment site at Natanz faced extensive damage due to an explosion on July 2, 2020, and pushed the programme behind by months.

Watch:&nbsp;Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh assassinated: Palestine President says, 'It was a cowardly assassination'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-chief-ismail-haniyeh-assassinated-palestine-president-says-it-was-a-cowardly-assassination-745889/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Iran’s leading nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was killed in an ambush in November 2020. Fakhrizadeh was killed using a remote-controlled machine gun.

Natanz nuclear plant was hit by an explosion on April 11, 2021, because of which the power supply for centrifuges was damaged. In the attack, “thousands of centrifuges” were destroyed, which led to the blackout.

Hundreds of drones kept at a&nbsp;base near Kermanshah in western Iran were reportedly destroyed by six Israeli quadcopters on February 14, 2022.&nbsp;

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards commander Col. Sayad Khodayee was shot and killed by two assassins on motorcycles in May 2022.&nbsp;

The Parchin military complex in Tehran was hit by quadcopter suicide drones which were loaded with explosives on May 25, 2022.&nbsp;

The health of two Iranian scientists suddenly deteriorated and they died within days in May 2022. As per an Iranian official, an aeronautical engineer at a military research facility Ayoub Entezari and geologist Kamran Aghamolaei had symptoms of food poisoning.&nbsp;

A military facility in central Isfahan was hit by suicide drones laden with explosives which were reportedly sent by Israel’s Mossad on January 28, 2023.&nbsp;

The strained relationship between Iran and Israel hit another significant low when the Hamas chief and the man who had orchestrated the October 7 attacks - Ismail Haniyeh - was killed in "a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran" on July 30 (Tuesday).

The strained relationship between Iran and Israel hit another significant low when the Hamas chief and the man who had orchestrated the October 7 attacks - Ismail Haniyeh - was killed in "a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran" on July 30 (Tuesday). Soon after Haniyeh was killed, Israeli Minister Amichay Eliyahu reacted to the news on X and said, "This is the right way to clean the world from this filth." Haniyeh was the face of Hamas, a Palestinian terror group which is believed to have received massive support from Iran. The killing of the Hamas leader has led to diplomatic discomfiture because of his presence in Tehran and Iran's failure to protect him. Haniyeh's death is likely to affect the ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas and has once again reminded the world of the ongoing covert war between Iran and Israel through proxies and targeted assassinations. It has also raised questions over the safety of Iran's top leaders and the capability of Israel in targetting them. Also Read: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in a ' treacherous Zionist raid' in Tehran: IRGC confirms fatal attack In recent years, various high-profile assassinations and attacks have been carried out by Israel in Iran. In retaliation, Iran has also attacked Israel and launched missiles at it. Let's look back at the attacks allegedly carried out by Israel on Iran: On January 12, 2010, Tehran University's physics professor Masoud Ali Mohammadi lost his life after a remote-controlled bomb - which was planted on a motorcycle - went off. Iran's government called him a nuclear scientist but said he was not working for the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran. Iran blamed Israel and the United States for the killing. Nearly 30,000 computers of at least 14 nuclear facilities were infected with the Stuxnet computer virus, which was detected at the Bushehr nuclear power plant in June 2010. The virus led to an explosion of engines in IR-1 centrifuges and at least 1,000 centrifuges installed at Natanz were destroyed. Another virus, nicknamed ‘Stars,’ was detected by Iran’s cyber defence in April 2011 for damaging nuclear facilities. Two gunmen killed an electrical engineer Darioush Rezaeinejad on July 23, 2011. He was reported to be working at a national security research facility. However, Iran denied Darioush's involvement in the nuclear programme. Chemical engineering graduate Mostafa Ahmadi Roshan was killed by two people on a motorbike after they planted a bomb in his car on January 11, 2012, in northern Tehran. This time, Iran accepted that Ahmadi Roshan was the Natanz Uranium Enrichment facility's supervisor. The “Wiper” malware was detected by Iran in April 2012 after it cleared all data from the hard drives of computers that belonged to the oil ministry and the National Iranian Oil Company. Another virus, called ‘Flame,’ was found by Iran on May 9, 2012, after it hit government computers and made an attempt to steal data. A warehouse - which contained a vast archive of nuclear programmes carried out in Iran - was raided by a Mossad team on January 31, 2018, in Tehran. In the raid, around 50,000 pages and 163 compact discs were smuggled out of the country. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on April 30 that they had some 100,000 “secret files that prove” Iran had a nuclear weapons programme. Iran’s main nuclear enrichment site at Natanz faced extensive damage due to an explosion on July 2, 2020, and pushed the programme behind by months. Watch: Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh assassinated: Palestine President says, 'It was a cowardly assassination' Iran’s leading nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was killed in an ambush in November 2020. Fakhrizadeh was killed using a remote-controlled machine gun. Natanz nuclear plant was hit by an explosion on April 11, 2021, because of which the power supply for centrifuges was damaged. In the attack, “thousands of centrifuges” were destroyed, which led to the blackout. Hundreds of drones kept at a base near Kermanshah in western Iran were reportedly destroyed by six Israeli quadcopters on February 14, 2022. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards commander Col. Sayad Khodayee was shot and killed by two assassins on motorcycles in May 2022. The Parchin military complex in Tehran was hit by quadcopter suicide drones which were loaded with explosives on May 25, 2022. The health of two Iranian scientists suddenly deteriorated and they died within days in May 2022. As per an Iranian official, an aeronautical engineer at a military research facility Ayoub Entezari and geologist Kamran Aghamolaei had symptoms of food poisoning. A military facility in central Isfahan was hit by suicide drones laden with explosives which were reportedly sent by Israel’s Mossad on January 28, 2023.

Between Iran and Gaza: How Israel pushed forward to decimate Hamas before Haniyeh's killing

Iran raises the red flag of revenge on the dome of Jamkaran Mosque after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Watch in for more details!

BREAKING: Iran raises 'red flag' over Jamkaran mosque, vows to avenge Haniyeh's killing

Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh killed: Turkey says, 'Israel aims to spread Gaza war to entire region'

Iran’s Islamic Paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a statement early on July 31 that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. They added that Haniyeh's residence in Tehran was “hit” early Wednesday morning, and he was killed along with a bodyguard

Israel-Hamas war: Khamenei warns Israel of 'harsh punishment'

Headlines of the hour: - Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh assassinated - Iran vows revenge of Haniyeh's killing - Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh killed: Palestinian factions call for protest - Hezbollah: Search on for Fuad's body - Russian begins 3rd stage of nuclear drills - Ukraine: Over 30 Russian drones destroyed - US, South Korea conduct military drills

Iran vows revenge of Haniyeh's killing | Ukraine: Over 30 Russian drones destroyed

Israel-Hamas war: Haniyeh targeted at his residence

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