The Hebrew news site i24 reported that after the assassination of Raed Saad, deputy commander of Al-Qassam Brigades, on Saturday, the group’s military leadership in Gaza has been reduced to a small number of figures. Some are already known to Israeli security agencies, while others have come to light only following the deaths of senior leaders.

According to i24, 55-year-old Ezzedin Al-Haddad is now considered the most prominent remaining figure in Hamas’s military command. Serving as general commander, Al-Haddad previously led the Gaza City Brigade and is accused of helping plan the October 7 attacks. 

Israeli sources say he speaks Hebrew and was in contact with Israeli hostages in the northern sector. Last July, the Israeli army released a photo of him, saying it was found in a tunnel beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis and noted that he had altered his appearance to avoid detection.

Mohammed Odeh, head of the intelligence apparatus within Al-Qassam Brigades, is also highlighted as a senior leader still alive. Following the death of Ahmed Al-Ghandour, commander of the Northern Gaza Brigade, Odeh reportedly assumed leadership of the brigade and called on Hamas members and displaced residents in Gaza City to unite and continue resisting Israeli forces.

Ezzedine Al-Haddad (Circulating image)

Other active leaders mentioned in the report include:

• Tawfiq Abu Naim, head of Hamas security apparatuses in Gaza, who was released in the 2011 Shalit exchange deal, and whose home has been targeted multiple times.
• Hussein Fayyad, commander of the Beit Hanoun Battalion, who survived previous assassination attempts and appeared in a video earlier this year after Israeli forces had announced his death.
• Haitham Al-Hawajri, commander of the Shati Battalion, who led operations against Israel on October 7 and oversaw Hamas activity around Al-Shifa Hospital despite earlier reports of his elimination.
• Mohammed Rajab, who has emerged as the new leader of the Gaza City Brigade following Al-Haddad, has previously served in the intelligence apparatus and the Gaza Brigade.