Izz al-Din al-Haddad
Izz al-Din al-Haddad | |
|---|---|
عز الدين الحداد | |
| 4th Leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip | |
| Assumed office 13 May 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Mohammed Sinwar |
| 8th Commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades | |
| Assumed office 13 May 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Mohammed Sinwar |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Izz ad-Din al-Haddad |
| Residence(s) | Gaza Strip, Palestine |
| Nickname(s) | Abu Suhaib (kunya) The Ghost of the Gaza Strip[1] |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Hamas (Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades) |
| Years of service | 1987–present |
| Rank | Commander |
| Battles/wars | |
Izz al-Din al-Haddad (Arabic: عز الدين الحداد), also known by his nom de guerre Abu Suhaib (Arabic: أبو صهيب), is a Palestinian militant and politician who is a senior commander in the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. He is the fourth leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, following the assassination of his predecessor, Mohammed Sinwar.[2] He currently serves as the head of the Gaza Brigade and oversees the northern sector of the Gaza Strip. He is known as the "ghost of al-Qassam" in Gaza.[3]
Al-Haddad is a member of Hamas's General Military Council and has been instrumental in planning and executing the group's operations.[3]
Early life and career
Al-Haddad joined Hamas at a young age, aligning with the movement since its inception in 1987. He began his career as an operative in the Gaza Brigade and rose through the ranks to become a platoon commander, then a battalion commander, eventually leading the brigade itself.[4]
Leadership
In May 2022, during Operation Breaking Dawn, al-Haddad assumed command of the Gaza Brigade following the assassination of brigade leader Bassem Issa.[4] He has since played a key role in planning and executing the group's operations, including the October 7 attack on Israel.[1]
Al-Haddad is known for his operational secrecy and rarely appears in public. However, in May 2022, he was seen in a video threatening Israel, and in January 2025, he gave an interview to Al Jazeera, discussing his role in planning the October 7 attack.[5]
Role in October 7 attack
On 6 October 2023, al-Haddad convened his battalion commanders and distributed written orders for the planned attack on Israel, later known as Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The orders emphasized the importance of abducting Israeli soldiers and transporting them into Gaza.[1] The following day, Hamas launched a surprise attack, resulting in significant casualties and the abduction of Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Israeli targeting and assassination attempts
Al-Haddad has survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts, reportedly six, [2] and is considered one of the most wanted Hamas commanders by Israel. He is ranked second on Israel's most-wanted list of al-Qassam leaders, following Raed Saad.[4]
Current status
As of May 2025[update], al-Haddad continues to lead Hamas's military wing's operations in the northern Gaza Strip and is involved in rebuilding the group's capabilities following significant losses during the ongoing conflict.[6] As the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, he has veto power over any ceasefire or hostage deal in the Gaza war.[2]
References
- ^ a b c "Next in line? The Hamas commander poised to succeed Sinwar". Ynetnews. 14 May 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ a b c "Hamas's Gaza City commander, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, to replace Sinwar as Hamas chief". Jerusalem Post. 2 June 2025. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
- ^ a b Halabi, Einav; Ari, Lior Ben (2025-03-30). "Hamas said to turn down $2B offer to disarm, relocate top commanders from Gaza". Ynetnews. Retrieved 2025-05-18.
- ^ a b c "Ez al-Dine al-Haddad: The Gaza Brigade Commander Tasked With Rebuilding al-Qassam". Al-Estiklal. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Israel may have killed Muhammad Sinwar, but he was likely never in the driver's seat". The Times of Israel. 14 May 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "Ezz al-Din al-Hadad". European Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 18 May 2025.