Qassam brigades restructures leadership, appoints “Shadow Figure”: Hebrew Media

Hamas’ military wing Qassam Brigades has made a significant leadership change in Gaza, appointing a “shadow figure” known as Muhannad Rajab to be the new commander, Hebrew media reported. 

The move comes as part of a broader restructuring following the assassinations of most of the group’s senior leaders. 

Former Gaza City brigade commander Ezz al-Din al-Haddad has assumed responsibility for leading Hamas’ military wing as a whole, after the killing of chief of staff Mohammed Deif, his deputy Marwan Issa, and later Mohammed al-Sinwar, who had temporarily been tasked with the role.

Al-Haddad, now serving as the new overall commander, selected Rajab, a figure who had “remained in the shadows until now” to replace him as head of the Gaza City brigade.

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- Preparing for imminent ground advance -

‘Israeli’ security sources said the reshuffle signals Hamas’ attempt to establish an organized command-and-control structure for directing military operations against ‘Israeli’ forces, which are preparing to expand their offensive to take full control of Gaza.

The army is currently operating heavily around the city’s eastern, northern, and southern edges, and has issued fresh evacuation orders to residents in the remaining western neighborhoods.

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-Qassam’s structure after assassinations-

Al-Haddad is reportedly the sole surviving commander among Hamas’ five main brigade leaders who oversaw operations before the war.

According to ‘Israeli’ military assessments, four brigade commanders have been killed during the war: Ahmed al-Ghandour (North Gaza Brigade), Ayman Nofal (Central Gaza Brigade), Rafi Salama (Khan Younis Brigade), and Mohammed Shabana (Rafah Brigade).

‘Israeli’ estimates suggest Qassam Brigades are now operating with only two main brigades: Gaza City and the Central region.