10,000 Fighters, One ‘Ghost’: The Hamas Commander Israel Must Defeat

Israeli forces continued Thursday morning their intensified push into Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, aimed at toppling what officials describe as “Hamas’ last stronghold.” Defense sources estimate that some 10,000 Hamas terrorist fighters are preparing to confront Israeli troops in the dense alleys of the city.

At the head of this resistance stands Izz Al-din Al Haddad, the commander of Gaza City who now serves as Hamas’ de facto military chief following the killing of Mohammed Sinwar. Al-Haddad, 55, known by the nickname “the Ghost of the Qassam Brigades,” is considered one of the few remaining senior figures of the group still in Gaza.

Architect of the October 7 Massacre

Al-Haddad is described by Israeli officials as a central architect of the October 7 attacks, with direct involvement in recruiting terrorist fighters and overseeing the fate of Israeli hostages. According to testimony from a released hostage, Al-Haddad kept photos of captives on his personal phone and even admitted: “I am responsible for all the hostages in Gaza.”

Initially, hostages said he presented himself as approachable, urging them to turn to him if in need. But by January, his demeanor shifted sharply after Israel killed his eldest son, Suhaib, in an airstrike.

Preparing for “The Great Battle”

In recent weeks, Al-Haddad issued orders for his forces to dig in for what he termed “the great battle.” He instructed terrorist fighters to brace for a prolonged confrontation lasting not just days, but weeks and months, and vowed to fight personally on the front lines.

A letter circulated under his name threatened those who considered fleeing south, warning:

Analysts say the strict orders reflect Hamas’ fear of desertions, which plagued the group in previous campaigns.