In less than two weeks, Israel notably eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, his successor Mohammed Odeh, as well as Imad Aslim, deputy commander of the Gaza brigade. According to Hamas sources, these losses have considerably weakened the movement’s military chain of command.
Faced with this situation, several options are being studied. One would be to create a military council of five commanders to collectively lead the al-Qassam Brigades until conditions permit the appointment of a single new leader. This formula would be inspired by the model already adopted by the political leadership of Hamas.
Among the names mentioned is Imad Aqel, considered the last still active member of the current military council. Several other military officials are also cited, notably Muhannad Rajab, commander of the Gaza brigade, and Izz al-Din al-Beik, head of the Northern brigade.
According to the sources interviewed, Hamas fears that a rapid designation would immediately expose the future leader to new elimination attempts. The movement could therefore favor discretion and delay the announcement of any decision.
This reflection comes as Hamas is going through what it considers to be the most critical period in its history since its creation in 1987, after months of Israeli operations targeting a large part of its military command.
