Was Hamas commander Mohammed Deif planning Israel attack since 2021?

Mohammed Deif, the chief of Hamas' Al Qassam Brigades had been planning one of the deadliest attacks on Israel since the 2021 raids on the Al Aqsa mosque, a Reuters report said.

In 2021, Israel raided the mosque, thrashed, dragged and assaulted the worshipers during the holy month of Ramadan. A violent conflict erupted between Israel and Hamas following this and it went on for 11 days. 

Reuters has reported quoting sources that it was then that Deif decided to avenge the Al Aqsa mosque raids and started planning an offensive against Israel. 

The Hamas commander has dodged seven assassination attempts by Israel so far, and even as Tel Aviv’s war on Hamas continues his whereabouts are still unknown.

Another source told the news outlet, that although Deif is the mastermind behind the offensive, the decision to execute the plan was not his alone.

Yahya Sinwar, the current Palestinian leader of Hamas and Deif jointly gave their nod for their operation against Israel.