Israel killed Hamas’ leader in Gaza, Mohammed Odeh, on May 26, following the death of his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, two weeks earlier. This succession of leadership losses leaves Hamas seemingly leaderless in Gaza, yet Israel has not exploited this power vacuum to dismantle Hamas’s control over the region. Approximately 40% of Gaza remains under Hamas influence, allowing the organization time to regroup and select new leaders. Meanwhile, the leadership structure of Hamas has been historically divided between figures in Gaza and those abroad, with many key leaders residing outside the territory. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have stated that most of Hamas’s leadership in Gaza has been eliminated over nearly three years of conflict, including various brigade and battalion commanders.
Why It Matters
The ongoing conflict has seen Hamas’s leadership significantly weakened, yet the group continues to operate through a decentralized structure. The potential candidates for leadership include survivors of assassination attempts and key military figures, underscoring the ongoing dynamics of power within the organization. The historical context of Hamas’s dual structure—where political and military wings function separately—has implications for its future operations and strategies. As Israel continues military operations in Gaza, the strategic choices made by Hamas in selecting new leadership will influence the trajectory of the conflict and the humanitarian situation for the 2 million civilians living under its governance.
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