Hamas Names Ezzedin al-Haddad New Gaza Leader After Sinwar Deaths

Ezzedin al-Haddad, known as the “Ghost of al-Qassam” for his elusive nature, has been appointed as the new leader of Hamas’ Gaza operations following the deaths of Yahya and Mohammed Sinwar, the group’s prior commanders, who were killed by Israeli forces. Al-Haddad, 55, was a key planner of the October 7, 2023 attacks and previously managed fighter recruitment and Israeli hostage operations. Despite significant losses and Israeli military pressure, Hamas continues to maintain control over much of Gaza, although it has lost areas like Rafah and faces internal challenges. Israeli officials have placed a $750,000 bounty on al-Haddad and consider him a top target in ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas' leadership. His leadership emergence highlights Hamas' organizational resilience even as Israel expands control in Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other officials have publicly named al-Haddad as a priority for elimination, following the deaths of his predecessors.