Hamas has appointed new top commanders in secret since the assassination of a number of senior members by Israel, keeping their identities hidden to avoid more targeted killings. This comes as the group experiences extreme pressure from the continuing Israeli onslaught in Gaza and internal disagreements over its future within the Palestinian political scene.
Israel, since the attacks on October 7, has assassinated many of Hamas’s top leaders, including political head Ismail Haniyeh, military leader Mohammed Deif, and Yahya Sinwar, the Gaza leader. In contrast to Hezbollah, which creates public images about its leadership, Hamas has taken the route of secrecy, especially in its militant wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.
Sources within the group have also reported that the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Sinwar commander-in-chief of those who were captured as hostages in the 2023 conflict could have occupied a crucial position of leadership. His family association and military experience, analysts indicate, give him tremendous leverage within combatants.
As much as Israel swore to annihilate Hamas, it still exists. Yasser Abu Heen, Safa news agency founder located in Gaza, confirmed that there has been leadership loss for Hamas but insisted on stressing that this loss was not critical. “Israel will be unable to get rid of it,” he mentioned.
Hamas’s political bureau still operates as the executive body under the larger Shura Council, the group’s internal legislative council. Hamas is, according to experts, transitioning away from charismatic leadership towards a more collective, secretive format oriented towards survival.
Internally, Hamas is also trying to deal with the issue of ruling Gaza. With increased global pressure and disenchantment among normal Palestinians, internal debates are occurring on whether Hamas should cede power. Certain political leaders of Hamas have even contemplated moving away from the militant wing.
Though discontent seethes manifest in occasional public demonstrations and public demands for Hamas to resign analysts say there is no effective alternative to Hamas in Gaza today. The group holds power, at least for the moment, as its leadership disappears into the background.