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Egypt Today
a day ago
- General
- Egypt Today
Who is Ezz El-Din Al-Haddad, Hamas's potential leader?
Senior Hamas cmdr. Izz al-Din al-Haddad CAIRO - 3 June 2025: The "Ghost of Al-Qassam" is the moniker given by Hebrew media to Ezz El-Din Al-Haddad, a prominent figure now potentially at the helm of Hamas following the reported assassination of Mohammed Sinwar by the Israeli occupation forces. Sinwar was allegedly killed in an airstrike on Khan Yunis on May 13th during a joint operation by the army and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency). Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Ezz El-Din Al-Haddad and Khalil al-Hayya are "next" on Israel's list after the confirmation of Sinwar's death. According to Haaretz, Gallant vowed that Israel would reach all those responsible for the October 7th attack on Israeli towns surrounding the Gaza Strip. The Times of Israel reports that Al-Haddad is a high-ranking Hamas commander in Gaza and is now the de facto highest authority in the Strip, while al-Hayya is a member of Hamas's leadership council abroad. Ezz El-Din Al-Haddad is the commander of the Gaza Brigade and has long been a significant figure in Hamas's top leadership. During the recent conflict, Al-Haddad was reportedly elevated to oversee the entire Gaza Strip. Al-Haddad rarely appears publicly, but he was seen in a May 2022 video threatening Israel. According to The Times, Al-Haddad was also reportedly responsible for ensuring the smooth handover of Israeli hostages. Furthermore, Al-Haddad reportedly controls the movement, holds the Israeli hostages, and possesses veto power over the ceasefire proposal presented by US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. The newspaper noted that a previous bounty of $750,000 was offered for information leading to his whereabouts. He is said to be cautious about public or media appearances and maintains limited communication. Sources indicate that Al-Haddad controls the movement's intelligence apparatus in Gaza and is known by the alias Abu Suhaib. He is the one in control of the Israeli captives and has the power to reject the American ceasefire plan presented by President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. Other media outlets have reported that Ezz El-Din Al-Haddad has survived several assassination attempts, most notably during the Israeli occupation's aggression on Gaza in 2023. His home has also been bombed multiple times in previous conflicts, the first time in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood during the Battle of Al-Furqan in 2009, and again in the wars of 2012 and 2021, when he held a leadership position in general combat support. Following the assassination of Bassem Issa in the "Sword of Jerusalem" battle, Al-Haddad officially assumed command of the Gaza Brigade, becoming one of the most wanted figures by the Israeli occupation forces. In November 2023, the occupation announced a $750,000 reward for information leading to his assassination. On October 6, 2023, the day before the start of Operation "Al-Aqsa Flood," Al-Haddad reportedly held a secret meeting with the commanders of his battalions, distributing the final orders for the attack. Intelligence reports revealed that among his most prominent instructions during the meeting was the necessity of capturing a large number of Israeli soldiers in the early hours of the operation and broadcasting live footage of the storming of settlements and military sites.
Roya News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Roya News
Who is "the Qassam Ghost", why does 'Israel' fear him?
Ezzedine Al-Haddad, a senior military commander in Hamas's Qassam Brigades, has become a central figure in "Israel's" war campaign, drawing public assassination calls from "Israeli" Defense Minister Israel Katz. Haddad is seen by "Israeli" officials as one of the most influential and tactically significant leaders within the Gaza-based resistance group. - 'The Qassam Ghost' - Nicknamed 'Abu Suhaib,' Haddad has earned a reputation inside "Israeli" intelligence circles as 'The Qassam Ghost' due to his ability to evade capture and survive multiple assassination attempts. He commands the Gaza City Brigade of the Qassam Brigades and sits on Hamas's inner military council. Under his leadership, at least six battalions operate, making him a key architect of the group's military structure. Haddad rose through the ranks from field operations to brigade command, building a long resume of organizational and combat experience that spans more than a decade. - A long history of "Israeli" targeting - Haddad has survived repeated assassination attempts, including one during "Israel's" 2023 offensive on Gaza. His home has been bombed multiple times—in the 2008-2009 Battle of Al-Furqan, and again in the 2012 and 2021 wars—during which he held a senior role in combat support. After the killing of Bassem Issa during the 2021 Sword of Jerusalem battle, Haddad assumed formal command of the Gaza Brigade, becoming a top priority for "Israeli" intelligence. In November 2023, "Israel" offered a USD 750,000 reward for information leading to his assassination. - Role in the October 7 operation - On Oct. 6, 2023, just one day before Hamas launched Operation Aqsa Typhoon, Haddad reportedly convened a secret meeting with brigade and battalion leaders to issue final directives. Intelligence reports indicate he emphasized the need to capture as many "Israeli" soldiers as possible in the early hours of the operation and to broadcast live footage of raids on settlements and military outposts. - Continued manhunt and repeated escapes - Despite sustained efforts, "Israeli" forces have so far failed to eliminate Haddad. In late 2023, troops raided his home in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, claiming to find documents and photographs detailing links with other field commanders. His home in Tel al-Hawa was bombed in February 2024, again in March, and targeted for a fourth time in June—all unsuccessful attempts. Recent "Israeli" military assessments suggest Haddad has taken over operational leadership in northern Gaza, a shift that has only elevated concerns among "Israeli" officials. - Personal loss - On Jan. 17, 2025, the Qassam Brigades announced the death of Haddad's son, Suhaib, in an "Israeli" airstrike targeting the Tuffah neighborhood in eastern Gaza. The loss marked a rare public acknowledgment of personal grief in the life of one of Hamas's most secretive commanders.
