Izz al-Din al-Haddad, referred to as “the ghost” in Israeli intelligence circles, has become Hamas’s top military commander in Gaza after multiple high-ranking figures were killed in Israeli strikes, according to allegations published by The Telegraph on Sunday, June 8..CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Al-Haddad is regarded as the final surviving brigade commander from the day of Hamas’s October 7, 2023, onslaught, putting him at the center of the war as Israel’s military campaign enters its eighteenth month.
Al-Haddad, 55, has reportedly escaped at least six murder attempts since 2008, making him one of Hamas’s most formidable and elusive leaders. Following the targeted murders of important individuals like Mohammed Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Yahya Sinwar, he rose to prominence. According to Israeli military authorities, he now has significant control over the fate of the 20 Israeli hostages who are still thought to be alive in Gaza as well as Hamas’s dwindling fighting force.
Former Israeli national security adviser Maj. Gen. Yaakov Amidror described Haddad as “ruthless, capable, and cautious.” “The crucial choice at this point is whether he opts for a ceasefire that gives Hamas time to reorganize or continues to fight until the very end.” Israeli commentators blame al-Haddad’s uncompromising position for Hamas’ rejection of recent attempts to broker a truce, including a U.S.-backed proposal to free 10 hostages during a 60-day ceasefire.
Al-Haddad has assumed control of what is left of Hamas’s military infrastructure after the IDF killed Mohammed Sinwar in a tunnel complex under a hospital in Khan Younis. The organization no longer resembles the organized army that began the Oct. 7 attack, but rather a dispersed guerilla force. Hamas militants continue to ambush Israeli troops in the rubble of Gaza despite significant setbacks. Significant damage has been caused by the IDF’s “seize-hold-demolish” policy, and as aid is mainly cut off, inhabitants are becoming more and more trapped between fear and starvation.
Growing dissension in Gaza is making al-Haddad’s situation more difficult. The population is becoming more resentful as food supplies are running low and Hamas is unable to regulate relief flows. More and more allegations of torture, public executions, and warnings against looting have been cited by analysts as evidence of the group’s growing fear-based hold. Rival armed factions, like as criminal clans and extremist organizations, are fighting for control, which is adding to the pressure. Concerns regarding Gaza’s future governance have been raised by reports that Israel has started arming at least one of these militias, which is headed by Yasser Abu Shabab, a Bedouin commander.
Hamas has reportedly sent out a 5,000-man “executive force” to reestablish order in reaction to the escalating turmoil. However, resistance and public demonstrations in the Strip raise the possibility that the group’s power is waning. A key figure in planning the Oct. 7 attacks was al-Haddad, a founding member of Hamas who advanced from platoon to brigade commander. Numerous Israeli troops and civilians were killed as a result of atrocities committed in Nahal Oz and other locations under his leadership. Israeli leaflet campaigns in Gaza now include his face, emblazoned with crosshairs and warnings that he will soon “reunite” with other commanders who have been killed.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>