From Yahya Ayyash to Yahya Sinwar: History of assassinated Hamas leaders

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) escalated its efforts against Hamas by announcing the recent assassination of Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas' political bureau. This targeted killing is part of a long history of assassinations aimed at dismantling Hamas' leadership.

The pattern of targeted killings began in 1996 with the assassination of Yahya Ayyash, a leading figure in the Izz Al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades. Ayyash was killed in an operation attributed to "Israeli's" Shin Bet, setting the stage for a series of high-profile assassinations.

- High-profile assassinations -

• Jamal Mansour and Jamal Salim (July 31, 2001)
  • These two Hamas members were killed in an IOF airstrike targeting a media office in Nablus.
• Salah Shehade (July 22, 2002)
  • The founder of Hamas' military wing was assassinated in an airstrike that resulted in the deaths of 15 civilians.
• Ismail Abu Shanab (August 22, 2003)
  • Killed in a missile strike targeting his vehicle.
• Sheikh Ahmed Yassin (March 22, 2004)
  • The founder of Hamas was assassinated shortly after leaving dawn prayers.
• Abdel Aziz Al-Rantisi (April 17, 2004)
  • Al-Rantisi was killed a month after Yassin's assassination.
• Nizar Rayan (January 2009)
  • Assassinated during an IOF operation.
• Said Seyam (January 2009)
  • Killed shortly after Nizar Rayyan, continuing the trend of targeted eliminations.
• Ahmed Jabari (November 2012)
  • The deputy commander of the al-Qassam Brigades was assassinated in an airstrike.
• Three military commanders (August 2014)
  • These leaders were killed in an airstrike on the city of Rafah.
• Saleh Al-Arouri (January 2024)
  • The deputy head of Hamas' political bureau was assassinated in an airstrike near Beirut.
• Ismail Haniyeh (July 31, 2024)
  • Haniyeh was killed in Tehran, with Hamas and Iran accusing the Israeli Occupation of orchestrating the attack.