On May 18, the Times of Israel reported, citing the Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat, that Awdeh, who previously served as the intelligence chief for Hamas's military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, has been selected to lead the group in Gaza.
The announcement came shortly after al-Haddad's death. According to Reuters, Israel confirmed that it killed al-Haddad in an airstrike on May 16, a claim that Hamas has also verified.
Al-Haddad had been leading Hamas's military operations since the death of Muhammad Sinwar last year. Israel has identified him as one of the key figures behind the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
Awdeh's appointment is seen as a swift move by Hamas to fill the leadership vacuum in Gaza. The group has recently lost several key leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, Muhammad Sinwar, and al-Haddad.
Israel continues to exert military pressure on Hamas's leadership, while Hamas is focused on rebuilding its organization and maintaining control in Gaza.
Clashes have persisted in the Gaza Strip even after a ceasefire. Reuters reports that hostilities, including airstrikes and exchanges of fire, have continued since al-Haddad's death. Since the ceasefire, approximately 850 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have been reported killed. Indirect negotiations regarding a long-term ceasefire and governance in Gaza remain stalled.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.