Hamas's New Commander: Izz al-Din al-Haddad and the Future of the Gaza Strip

Strategic Insights -

Hamas's new commander, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, has emerged as a key figure in the ongoing conflict between the terror group and Israel. Al-Haddad, a 55-year-old veteran of Hamas, has played a crucial role in holding the group together in the face of Israel's assault. As the presumed new commander, he holds the fate of the hostages and the entire Gaza Strip in his hands. Despite Israel's attempts to assassinate him six times since 2008, al-Haddad remains a formidable leader, with a reputation for caution and strategic thinking.

Key Takeaways:

  • Izz al-Din al-Haddad, 55, has assumed command of Hamas following the assassination of Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar.
  • Al-Haddad has been a key figure in Hamas for decades, joining the group in 1987 and rising through the ranks to become a senior commander.
  • As commander of the Gaza Brigade, he was one of a small number of senior figures who knew the plans for Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in advance.
  • Al-Haddad has a reputation for caution and strategic thinking, and has been responsible for some of the most high-profile atrocities of the incursion.
  • Israel has attempted to assassinate al-Haddad six times since 2008, but he remains a key target for the Israeli military.
  • Hamas now resembles more of a guerrilla movement, with small, independent units popping up in the rubble with light weapons and explosives.
  • The group still holds dozens of hostages, with 20 thought to be alive, and has rejected an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire.
  • Al-Haddad's hardline approach has been shaped by decades living in the shadows and the loss of two sons to Israeli fire in the last 18 months.
  • A new unit of around 5,000 gunmen called the "executive force" has been unleashed to try to keep control of the civilian population.
  • Israel is arming at least one of the so-called "clans" in Gaza, a militia under the command of an Arab bedouin called Yasser Abu Shabab, despite his group's alleged links to drug dealing and arms smuggling.

Statistics:

  • 75%: The percentage of the Gaza Strip that Israel has committed to seizing in under two months.
  • 5,000: The estimated number of gunmen in the new "executive force" unit.
  • 20: The number of hostages thought to be alive.
  • 6: The number of times Israel has attempted to assassinate al-Haddad since 2008.
  • 18 months: The length of time since al-Haddad's two sons were killed by Israeli fire.
  • 1987: The year al-Haddad joined Hamas.
  • 2023: The year al-Haddad became commander of the Gaza Brigade.
  • 60: The number of soldiers and 15 civilians killed in the attack on the IDF's Nahal Oz base.

Sources:

  • Maj Gen Yaakov Amidror, Israel's former national security advisor, stated that al-Haddad is "cautious" and "one of the more capable commanders" of Hamas.
  • A regional security official said that al-Haddad's position is "tremendous" and that he is under "enormous pressure" to find a solution to the conflict.
  • Benjamin Netanyahu has admitted that Israel is arming at least one of the so-called "clans" in Gaza, a militia under the command of an Arab bedouin called Yasser Abu Shabab.
  • The Jerusalem Post reported that Hamas has rejected an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire, with 20 hostages thought to be alive.
  • The Guardian reported that a new unit of around 5,000 gunmen called the "executive force" has been unleashed to try to keep control of the civilian population.
  • Getty Images has published photographs of anti-Hamas protests in Gaza.