Photo: Khaled Meshaal. Source: AFP.
Israel continues to actively confront the leadership of the Hamas group after the brutal attack on Israel on 7 October. Israeli security forces are systematically killing key leaders of the organisation in an attempt to weaken its influence and prevent further attacks. Over the past year, nine members of Hamas’s political bureau have been killed, six of its senior officials are hiding abroad, and the fate of five others remains unknown, according to Israel’s Channel 9.
Here are the names of those targeted by Israeli intelligence services.
Mohammed Sinwar
After the official confirmation of the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, the main organiser of the 7 October attack, his brother Mohammed Sinwar became the new potential leader. He is an experienced commander and close associate of Yahya. In the past, Mohammed commanded the Khan Younis Brigade and was one of the organisers of the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit to exchange him for his imprisoned brother Yahya.
In December last year, Israeli intelligence received a video of Mohammed driving a car through a large underground tunnel in the northern Gaza Strip. This tunnel led to the Erez crossing, and its exit was only 400 metres away.
Mohammed Shabana
Brigade Commander Rafah remains one of the few leaders of Hamas’ fighting wing who continue to take part in the fighting. Last October, two of his sons, members of the elite Nuhba unit, were killed by the Israeli military. In May, Shabana was assassinated when Israeli forces struck his underground hideout, but he managed to survive.
Izaddin al-Haddad
He is the commander of the Gaza Brigade and a key leader of the Isadin al-Qassam group, which is the militant wing of Hamas. Earlier this year, Israeli forces raided his home and found photos of al-Haddad with other important commanders.
Senior Hamas officials abroad
Khaled Mashal
Mashal, 68, heads Hamas’ external wing and is the interim leader of the organisation’s political bureau, responsible for hostage negotiations. He has long been one of the main figures in Hamas, heading the political bureau from 1996 to 2017. In 1997, Israel attempted to assassinate Mashal, but the operation failed.
Khalil al-Haya
He is one of Sinwar’s closest associates abroad, working in the political wing of the group. Al-Haya plays a key role in negotiations with international mediators, representing the interests of Hamas.
Musa Abu Marzouk
A former head of Hamas’s political bureau, his wealth is estimated at $2-3 billion. He remains an influential figure in the group, although he has recently been embroiled in a scandal over his statements on recognising Israel, which caused a wide outcry.
Osama Hamdan
Hamdan is Hamas’s representative in Lebanon, and frequently gives interviews to the media, where he spreads messages on behalf of the group. Hamdan has a long history of cooperation with the group, dating back to his time in Iran in 1994.
Israel continues to target Hamas leaders, seeking not only to avenge the terrorist attacks but also to prevent further acts of aggression against its state.
