Gaza
Izz al-Din al-Haddad is expected to assume leadership of Hamas following the death of Muhammad Sinwar in a recent Israeli airstrike. Al-Haddad, a senior military commander and key figure in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, is now the most prominent surviving leader from Hamas’s pre-war Gaza leadership.
Sinwar, who became Hamas’s military chief after the assassinations of Yahya Sinwar and Muhammad Deif in 2024, was killed on May 13 in a targeted Israeli strike at the European Hospital complex in Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strike, lasting just 30 seconds and using over 50 precision-guided munitions, also eliminated Rafah Brigade commander Muhammad Shabana and South Khan Younis battalion head Mahdi Quara. Despite the attack, the hospital structure remained undamaged.
Al-Haddad, who has led the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza City since 2021 and headed the northern Gaza brigade from late 2023, is now believed to be the only surviving member of Hamas’s original five brigade commanders. He played a central role in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and is reportedly overseeing the group holding Israeli hostages.
Known for his secrecy and tactical prowess, al-Haddad has reportedly survived six assassination attempts and carries a $750,000 bounty on his head. With most senior Hamas leaders eliminated, he is expected to oversee both military strategy and future hostage negotiations. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has publicly warned al-Haddad, stating: “You are next in line.”