A wave of Israeli assassinations targeting commanders of al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, has thrown the movement and its military command into greater difficulty.
Filling the vacuum at the top of Qassam’s general staff has become harder at what Hamas sees as the most perilous stage in its history since its founding in 1987.
Despite a supposed ceasefire agreement in Gaza since last October, Israel has killed many Hamas and Qassam members and commanders.
In less than two weeks, it killed Qassam commander Izz el-Deen al-Haddad, his successor Mohammed Odeh, and Imad Aslim, deputy commander of the Gaza Brigade and a prominent field commander, after decades of pursuit.
A fourth figure, the new commander of the Northern Brigade, survived and is believed to have been wounded.
Hamas sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that several options are under discussion within the movement, including a “collective leadership” for Qassam, modeled on the leadership council now overseeing Hamas affairs.
With the killings of Haddad and Odeh, Israel has most likely eliminated all those who planned and oversaw the Oct. 7, 2023, attack, as well as the members of the military council and general staff, except for Qassam commander Imad Aqel.
Aqel did not take part in planning or supervising the attack, but is believed to have known about it because he was then responsible for the Home Front Directorate, a post he held until Odeh was killed.
What are the options?
Three Hamas sources in Gaza, speaking separately to Asharq Al-Awsat, agreed that choosing or announcing a new chief of staff could take longer this time than the swift handover from Haddad to Odeh.
They cited several reasons, including “the security situation and Israel’s pursuit of anyone who is chosen.”
One source said the decision had also been complicated by “the internal impact of the assassinations on the movement and the need for more caution.”
A third source said a new commander was likely to be chosen soon, but under tighter secrecy to prevent his identity from being leaked, especially if the choice is a figure not widely seen as a contender.
The sources acknowledged that the assassinations had wiped out senior or charismatic Qassam leaders, making the task of choosing a successor more difficult.
Still, the Gaza sources and a fourth Hamas leader outside the enclave did not rule out a new course, appointing a “leadership council” similar to the body that runs Hamas politically.
The source outside Gaza said: “A council of five of the most prominent remaining military commanders may be formed to run Qassam during this critical period until conditions stabilize.”
Imad Aqel
“There are several options for the Qassam chief of staff. There are candidates for the post, such as Imad Aqel, the last remaining figure in the current military council, as well as others who were once members of the council and left years ago. They may be brought back after being summoned during the current war to take on specific field and administrative roles,” the Gaza sources said.
All sources said Aqel could become chief of staff in the near future.
Three Hamas sources in Gaza said Aqel is a major military figure. Israel has tried to assassinate him at least twice, wounding him in one attempt. During the current war, he lost one son at the hands of armed members of the Doghmush clan south of Gaza City, two days after the Oct. 10, 2025, ceasefire.
The clan abducted and killed him before a decision was issued to attack it, eliminate its gunmen and seize its weapons. Aqel’s other son was killed while taking part in the Oct. 7 attack.
Aqel originally lived in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. At the start of the second intifada in late September 2000, he was forced to leave the camp and move to the Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza City.
In 2002, he was accused of being behind the assassination of Rajeh Abu Lehia, commander of the Riot Control Unit in the Palestinian Authority police.
Aqel served at various times as commander of the Central Brigade and then the Gaza Brigade. He also headed the Manufacturing Directorate before spending longer years in the Home Front Directorate.
Muhannad Rajab and a mysterious veteran figure
Other Qassam commanders are also being mentioned, including Gaza Brigade commander Muhannad Rajab, Northern Brigade commander Izz el-Deen al-Beik, whom Israel tried to assassinate days ago, and Khan Younis Brigade commander Mohammed al-Bureim. Other former members of the brigades’ military council are also being pushed by some to return to the general staff.
A Hamas source familiar with Rajab said he is “known for strategic thinking and security experience,” qualities that helped him become Gaza Brigade commander despite the presence of more senior military names. His ability to draw up strategies, the source said, enabled him to command the Sabra and Tel al-Islam battalions, and he was close to Haddad.
The source said Rajab has “a strong chance of becoming Qassam commander-in-chief, especially since many field commanders could be nominated to replace him as commander of the Gaza Brigade.”
The name of Northern Brigade commander Izz el-Deen al-Beik also appears as another option, if his health allows, after conflicting reports about his injury in an Israeli strike days ago.
One source said the candidates include a mysterious figure he described as “historical,” whom Israel tried to assassinate several times during the latest war.
The source, who declined to name the candidate to lead Qassam, said they “are not wounded, have considerable security and military experience, and are one of the brigades’ veteran military and security figures.”
