New Hamas figures marked for assassination by Israel

According to Asharq Al-Awsat, Israeli security sources revealed on 2nd June a newly updated Hamas target list that includes senior political figures Osama Hamdan and Sami Abu Zuhri, as reported by the Israeli daily Maariv.

The revelations come just days after Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz threatened to eliminate key figures in both the political and military wings of Hamas. Among those named were Izz al-Din al-Haddad, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, and Khalil al-Hayya, a senior member of Hamas’ political bureau.

Under the headline “Top Hamas leaders in Israeli army’s sights,” Maariv reported that Israel is preparing to assassinate four key Hamas figures: Hamdan in Lebanon, Abu Zuhri in Algeria, al-Haddad in Gaza, and al-Hayya, who is currently abroad and involved in ceasefire negotiations.

On 31st May, Israel’s internal security agency Shin Bet issued a direct threat against al-Hayya and al-Haddad. Defense Minister Katz followed up, saying: “Izz al-Din al-Haddad is in Gaza, Khaleel al-Hayya is abroad – you are next,” without elaborating.

Since the war on Gaza began, Israel has targeted and killed multiple Hamas leaders both inside the enclave and abroad. On 2nd June, Maariv confirmed that an Israeli strike last month involving eight tons of explosives destroyed a Hamas tunnel complex beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. The attack reportedly killed Hamas leader in Gaza Muhammad Sinwar, two of his aides, Rafah Brigade commander Mohammed Shabana, and central Khan Yunis field commander Mahdi Kawareh.

“The arrows are now directed towards al-Haddad, who survived the attack,” the paper wrote. Al-Haddad, also known as “The Qassam Ghost,” has gained notoriety for evading Israeli assassination attempts.

Last October, Israeli forces killed Muhammad Sinwar’s brother, Yahya Sinwar, a foundational figure in Hamas’ armed wing.

In a statement written in Hebrew, Maariv declared: “al-Haddad will meet his companions, (Ismail) Haniyeh, (Mohammed) Deif, and Sinwar.” The paper identified the next targets as Osama Hamdan, Sami Abu Zuhri, and Khalil al-Hayya.

Hamdan, a longtime Hamas official, previously served as the group’s representative in Lebanon and is currently involved in diplomatic efforts. He now resides mostly in Qatar. Abu Zuhri, based in Algeria, frequently serves as a media spokesperson. Al-Hayya, a key political figure within Hamas, is believed to be leading the group’s operations in Gaza and is a principal negotiator in ceasefire talks.

Since the confirmed death of Muhammad Sinwar, Israeli intelligence believes al-Haddad and al-Hayya have emerged as the de facto military leaders of Hamas.

“It’s official: Mohammed al-Sinwar and Rafah Brigade Commander Mohammed Shabana have been eliminated. Israel’s long arm will reach every individual responsible for the October 7th war crimes, near or far, until all are eliminated,” Katz said in a statement issued 31st May.

Al-Haddad, also known by his nom de guerre “Abu Suhaib,” heads the Gaza City Brigade of the Qassam Brigades and is a member of Hamas’s inner military council. Israeli intelligence now believes he holds primary operational command inside the Gaza Strip.

Asharq Al-Aswat/ Maariv/ Maghrebi.org