To examine the results of the 2023-2024 Israeli-Gaza War a running count of Hamas leadership casualties will be maintained, with particular focus on the paramilitary infrastructure of the militant organization.

***Updated as of 23 Sep 25 due to the continuation of hostilities and breaking of ceasefires***

On February 19, 2024 Hamas officially admitted to incurring 6,000 losses of fighters and officials during the war. It is assumed that these losses do not include militants lost in the Oct 7 attacks, but those killed during the subsequent airstrikes and invasion. It is important to note that the IDF puts Hamas losses during the same time frame at 12,000. It is not improbable that the difference were also fighters, but perhaps from other organizations such as Islamic Jihad, independent fighters, or those simply labeled incorrectly as combatants by the IDF. By February 19, a startling total of 29,000 Palestinians in Gaza were estimated to have been killed. Even with the IDF number of 12,000 militants killed, the remainder of civilian deaths is astonishing. Again, these numbers are reported by Hamas affiliated entities and may be inflated. There is no way to completely verify, although several media organizations have comfortably reported the 29,000 figure. For our purposes, we are not involved with either side of the conflict, although we recognize the horror and atrocities of the Oct 7 attacks as well as the irresponsibility of the abundant civilian casualties during the IDF invasion and air campaign. Thus, the war in its entirety represents an impossible humanitarian situation. We are not glorifying any Hamas member or the network as a whole, but rather simply listing the losses suffered by the organization during the war and analyzing their paramilitary structure.

If Hamas lost between 6-12,000 forces, then they must have experienced significant degradation to political and military officials.

Military Structure for Hamas was organized in typical Brigade and Battalion units. This attempted order mimics actual military order but must be understood as a reality. Hamas governed in Gaza since 2005, allowing them to build both a political and military networks. This gives us a clear idea of the capabilities and organization of Hamas in terms of a paramilitary organization. Their paramilitary wing was known as the Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades, composed of five geographically specific Brigades. The beginning of the war saw the militant leadership within the Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades as follows:

Overall commander of all Brigades: MOHAMED DEIF (oft targeted for assassination by the IDF), with his deputy MARWAN ISSA

• NORTH GAZA BRIGADE – Commander AHMED ABU GHANDOUR (Six known regular Battalions)
  • BAIT HANOUN BATTALION – Commander HUSSEIN FAYAD
  • BAIT LAHIA BATTALION – Commander NASIM ABU AJINA
  • IMAD AQIL (WEST JABALIYA) BATTALION – Commander Unidentified
  • AL-KHALIFA AL-RASHIDUN (CENTRAL JABALIYA) BATTALION – Commander IBRAHIM BIARI
  • ABDULRAUF NABHAN (JABALIYA AL-BALAD) BATTALION – Commander Unidentified
  • SUHAIL ZIADAH (EAST JABALIYA) BATTALION – Commander RIFAAT SALMAN
• GAZA CITY BRIGADE – Commander IZZALDIN AL-HADDAD (Six known regular Battalions)
  • SHEIKH RADWAN (AL-FURQAN) BATTALION – Commander JABIR AZIZ
  • SHATI BATTALION – Commander HAITHAM KHUWAJARI
  • SHUJAIYA BATTALION – Commander WISSAM FARHAT
  • DARAJ-TUFFAH BATTALION – Commander RIFAAT ABBAS
  • SABRA TEL AL-HAWA BATTALION – Commander MUSTAFA DALUL
  • ZAITUN BATTALION – Commander IMAD ASLIM
• CENTRAL CAMPS BRIGADE – Commander AYMAN NOFAL (Four known regular Battalions)
  • NUSEIRAT BATTALION – Commander ISMAIL SIRAJ
  • BUREIJ BATTALION – Commander Unidentified
  • MAGHAZI BATTALION – Commander Unidentified
  • DEIR AL-BALAH BATTALION – Commander WAIL ASIFA
• Southern Division of Brigades – Commander MOHAMED SINWAR (former commander of Khan Younis Brigade and brother to Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar. Southern Brigade commanders report to him directly)
• KHAN YOUNIS BRIGADE – Commander RAFAH SALAMAH (Five known regular Battalions)
  • QARARA BATTALION – Commander Unidentified, though wwas formerly Rafah Salamah
  • NORTH KHAN YOUNIS BATTALION – Commander TAYSIR MUBASHER
  • WEST KHAN YOUNIS BATTALION – Commander MIDHAT MUBASHER
  • EAST KHAN YOUNIS BATTALION – Commander Unidentified
  • SOUTH KHAN YOUNIS BATTALION – Commander MAHDI QAWARA
• RAFAH BRIGADE – Commander MOHAMED SHABANA (Three known regular Battalions*[now suspected to be four])
  • TEL SULTAN BATTALION – Commander MAHMUD HAMDAN
  • SHABOURA BATTALION – Commander Unidentified
  • EASTERN RAFAH – Commander Unidentified
  • KHALID BIN AL-WALID (YABNA) BATTALION – Commander Unidentified

There are an estimated 24 (or 25) Battalion commands dispersed among these five Brigades. In addition, there are Naval and Aerial forces of consequence attached to each, as well as paramilitary special forces that are probably organized as their own Battalions. There are specialized units in charge of the abundant rocket attacks, anti-tank guided missiles, and weapons manufacturing as well. In terms of the Oct 7 attacks, the Hamas Nukhba forces are actually considered Naval special forces, but were trained and utilized as commandos in the operation. It is estimated that 400 Nukhba forces stormed southern Israel during the attack, complimented by aerial forces (such as the now infamous paraglider force), regular forces, other terrorist entities (such as fighters from Palestinian Islamic Jihad), and random individuals streaming through the breaches in the barrier fencing. Reports state that the Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, entrusted 70 Nukhba commanders with knowledge of the impending attack. Planning of the attacks centered on Sinwar and Deif, with Brigade commanders Ayman Nofal (Central Camps) and Sinwar’s own brother, Mohamed (commander of southern Brigades) involved also. A fifth commanding militant, Rawhi Mushtaha, a senior member of the Hamas Politburo, was the final participant in the planning. It is noticeable that the IDF bombing campaign specifically targeted Nukhba forces and attempted to decapitate the leadership of the Brigade and Battalion structured paramilitary forces.

Here we examine these reported Hamas middle to high-ranking official losses in an incomplete and in-progress list that will be continually updated:

HAMAS LEADERS KILLED IN GAZA WAR 2023-2024:

• KILLED IN IDF AIRSTRIKES PRIOR TO GAZA INVASION:
• JAWAD ABU SHAMALA, Politburo Economic Minister, killed in airstrike – Oct 9
• ZAKARIA ABU MAAMAR, Politburo Internal Relations Minister, killed in airstrike – Oct 9
• MOHAMED ABU SHAMALA, officer in the Naval Forces and Nukhba, within the Rafah Brigade, residence used for storage of weapons, killed in airstrike – Oct 11
• MUSTAFA SHAHIN, who filmed and broadcast portions of Oct 7 attacks, however he is presumably low-ranking, killed in airstrike – Oct 11
• MURAD ABU MURAD, commander of Aerial Array forces in Gaza City Brigade, killed in airstrike – Oct 13
• ALI MOHAMED ALI QADHI, commander of the Nukhba commando force, Jabaliya company, implicated in Oct 7 attacks, previously sentenced for murder in 2005, released in the Shalit Exchange 2011, killed in drone strike – Oct 13
• BILAL AL-QADRA, commander of Nukhba commando force, in the Khan Younis Brigade, South Khan Younis Battalion, responsible for Oct 7 attacks on Nirim and Nir Oz, killed in airstrike – Oct 14
• YAHYA ABDULRAZZAQ, listed as if killed in Gaza invasion, but actually an operative based in Lebanon, killed via drone strike attempting to lead infiltration into Israel near Margaliot – Oct 14
• SUHAIB QAYED, presumably low-ranking operative, killed via drone strike during infiltration into Israel from Lebanon near Margaliot – Oct 14
• AHMED OTHMAN, presumably low-ranking operative, killed via drone strike during infiltration into Israel from Lebanon near Margaliot – Oct 14
• MUATAZ EID, commander of National Security, Southern District, killed in airstrike – Oct 15
• AYMAN NOFAL, General Military Council, commander of Central Gaza Camps Brigade, former commander of military intelligence, escaped from Egyptian prison in 2011 during Arab Spring, designated by the US Treasury, known as Abu Ahmed, killed in airstrike – Oct 16
• OSAMA MAZINI, former Politburo Education Minister, hostage handler, killed in airstrike – Oct 17
• MOHAMED ALWADIA, commander of the anti-tank missile array for the Gaza City Brigade, killed in an airstrike – Oct 18
• AKRAM HIJAZI, operative in Naval forces, implicated in funding attacks, killed in an airstrike – Oct 18
• JAMILA AL-SHANTI, first female in Politburo, widow of Hamas founding member Abdulaziz al-Rantisi, killed in airstrike – Oct 19
• MAMDOUH SHABALIYA, senior operative in special Naval forces Array, killed in airstrike – Oct 19
• JIHAD MUHEISEN, Director of Palestinian National Security in Gaza, equivalent of a Brig Gen rank, killed in airstrike – Oct 19
• AMJAD MAJED MOHAMED ABU ODEH, described only as a naval operative, directly implicated as participating in the Oct 7 attacks, presumably low-ranking, killed in airstrike – Oct 20
• MAHMOUD SANIAH, (also reported as SABIH), a senior operative in charge of a weapons and drones manufacturing unit, coordinated with other terrorists (insinuating he was trained by Hezbollah), killed in airstrike – Oct 20
• TALAL AL-HINDI, described only as a known military operative in Central Gaza, killed in airstrike on family home – Oct 21
• MOHAMED QATAMASH, deputy of Artillery (rockets) Array, Central Camps Brigade, killed in airstrike – Oct 22
• MOHAMED AL-RIFI, commander of Aerial Array Supplies in Gaza City Brigade, killed in airstrikes, announced – Oct 23
• OTHMAN HAMDAN, commander of Aerial Defenses (surface to air missiles) in Gaza City Brigade, Sabra Tel al-Hawa Battalion, killed in airstrikes, announced – Oct 23
• GHASSAN SHAKFUAH, commander of Aerial Training, deputy of Quality and Control, North Gaza Brigade, killed in airstrikes, announced – Oct 23
• MOAZ ABDULRAHMAN, commander of Aerial Training, Gaza City Brigade, killed in airstrikes, announced – Oct 23
• IBRAHIM AL-SAHIR, commander of Anti-Tank Missiles Array, North Gaza Brigade, wanted for killing of IDF soldier in 2021, killed in airstrike – Oct 23
• KHALIL TATRI, deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Shaikh Radwan Battalion, killed in airstrike – Oct 24
• KHALIL AL-MAJID SAMJAD, deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, killed in airstrike – Oct 24
• killed in airstrike – Oct 24
• TAYSIR MUBASHER, commander of Khan Younis Brigade, North Khan Younis Battalion, former naval official and weapons manufacturer, wanted for attacks in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2014, killed in airstrike – Oct 24
• MIDHAT MUBASHER, commander of Khan Younis Brigade, West Khan Younis Battalion, wanted for sniper and explosives attacks, killed in airstrike – Oct 26
• SHADI BARUD, deputy of Hamas intelligence directorate, previously a Battalion commander in the Khan Younis Brigade, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, killed in an airstrike – Oct 26
• RIFAAT ABBAS, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Daraj-Tuffah Battalion, killed in airstrike – Oct 26
• IBRAHIM JADBA, deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Daraj-Tuffah Battalion, killed in airstrike – Oct 26
• TARIQ MARUF, combat and service support commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Daraj-Tuffah Battalion, killed in airstrike – Oct 26
• HASSAN AL-ABDULLAH, commander of artillery (rockets) in the Khan Younis Brigade, North Khan Younis Battalion, killed in airstrike – Oct 26
• ASIM ABU RAKABA, commander of Hamas Aerial Array Forces, implicated in Oct 7 attacks, killed in airstrike – Oct 27
• RATEB ABU SAHIBAN, commander of Naval forces, Gaza City Brigade, implicated in Oct 24 sea intrusion attempt, killed in airstrike – Oct 27
• MOHAMED SAFADI, commander of anti-tank missile unit in Gaza City Brigade, Daraj-Tuffah Battalion, killed in airstrike – Oct 30
• JAMIL BABA, commander of naval forces in Central Camps Brigade, killed in airstrike – Oct 30
• MOHAMED AWADALLAH, described only as an operative involved in “production,” killed in airstrike – Oct 30
• MUWAMAN HIJAZI, described only as an operative involved with anti-tank missiles, killed in airstrike – Oct 30
• NASIM ABU AJINA, commander of the North Gaza Brigade, Bait Lahia Battalion, implicated in Oct 7 attacks for atrocities at Kibbutz Erez and Moshav Netiv Ha Asara, known for links to development of paraglider force and aerial array, killed in airstrike – Oct 30
• AFIF A’LIAN, Assault Company commander in Nukhba forces, killed in airstrike prior to Oct 31
• YUNIS MUSHTAHA, Assault Company commander in Nukhba forces, in the Gaza City Brigade, Shujaiya Battalion, killed in airstrike prior to Oct 31
• AHMED ABU RAHMA, Assault Company commander in Nukhba forces, killed in airstrike prior to Oct 31
• OMAR AL-SHARFA, Assault Company commander in Nukhba forces, killed in airstrike prior to Oct 31
• KILLED IN ACTION AFTER GAZA INVASION:
• IBRAHIM BIARI, commander of the North Gaza Brigade, Central Jabaliya Battalion (known also as al-Khalifa al-Rashidun Battalion), implicated in Oct 7 attacks, wanted for 2004 attack, numerous rocket attacks, suspected of being in charge of northern Gaza resistance forces at initiation of invasion, killed in airstrike – Oct 31
• MOHAMED A’SAR, commander of overall anti-tank missile array, killed in airstrike – Nov 1
• MUSTAFA DALUL, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Sabra Tel al-Hawa Battalion, implicated in responsibility for resistance against IDF invasion, killed in airstrike – Nov 2
• WAIL ASIFA, commander of the Central Camps Brigade, Deir al-Balah Battalion, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, previously imprisoned in the 1990s, killed in what was described as a military operation – Nov 5
• JAMAL MUSA, responsible for organizational special security, wanted for 1993 attack, killed in airstrike – Nov 6
• MUHSIN ABU ZINA, commander of weapons manufacturing division, responsible for providing rockets, implicated in Oct 7 attacks, killed in airstrike – Nov 7
• IBRAHIM ABU MAGHSIB, commander of anti-tank missile array in the Central Camps Brigade, killed in airstrike – Nov 8
• AHMED MUSA, a company commander in the Nukhba forces, implicated in Oct 7, part of sea assault on IDF Zikim base, leading assaults on IDF in west Jabaliya during invasion, killed by IDF ground forces in Jabaliya – Nov 10
• AMIR AL-HANDI, a platoon level commander in Nukhba forces, killed by IDF ground forces in Jabaliya – Nov 10
• MOHAMED KAHLOUT, commander of sniper array for North Gaza Brigade, killed by IDF ground forces – Nov 10
• AHMED SIAM, a company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Shaikh Radwan Battalion, infamous for preventing civilians from departing Rantisi hospital in Gaza City, killed in airstrike on school – Nov 10
• YAQUB ASHUR, commander of anti-tank missile array in the Khan Younis Brigade, killed in airstrike – Nov 13
• TAHSIN MUSALAM, commander of combat support company for special forces in Bait Lahia, killed in airstrike – Nov 13
• JIHAD AZAM, intelligence officer in Zaitun neighborhood of Gaza City, killed in airstrike – Nov 13
• MUNIR HARIB, responsible for information and public affairs for the Rafah Brigade, killed in airstrike – Nov 13
• KHAMIS DABABASH, former leader of military intelligence, Politburo member and secretary to Minister of Internal Relations, wanted for 2002 attack in Gaza, killed in airstrike – Nov 13
• KHALIL AL-KHARAZ, deputy commander of Hamas forces in Lebanon, killed in a drone strike along with three other operatives in Chaatiyeh, Lebanon – Nov 21
• OMAR ABU JALALAH, commander of naval forces, Khan Younis Brigade, killed in an airstrike – Nov 23
• AHMED AL-GHANDOUR, known as Abu Anas, commander of the North Gaza Brigade, designated by US State Department, implicated in Oct 7 attacks and incidents during 2006 War, killed in an airstrike on a tunnel on Nov 16, announced by Hamas – Nov 26 [A]
• WAIL AL-RAJAB, deputy commander of the North Gaza Brigade, maybe assumed command of Bait Lahia Battalion after death of previous leader, killed in an airstrike with Ahmed al-Ghandour on Nov 16, announced by Hamas – Nov 26
• RIFAAT SALMAN, commander of North Gaza Brigade, Suhail Ziadah Battalion, believed to be a deputy commander of overall Brigade, killed in an airstrike with Ahmed al-Ghandour on Nov 16, announced by Hamas – Nov 26
• AYMAN SIAM, commander of Artillery (rockets) Array, previously targeted for assassination during 2014 conflict, killed in an airstrike with Ahmed al-Ghandour on Nov 16, announced by Hamas – Nov 26
• FARSAN KHALIFA, emissary from West Bank militants to Gaza, released in Shalit exchange in 2011, killed in an airstrike with Ahmed al-Ghandour on Nov 16, announced by Hamas – Nov 26
• WISSAM FARHAT, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Shujaiya Battalion, implicated in Oct 7 attacks at Nahal Oz and outpost in the vicinity, wanted for 2002, 2011, 2014 attacks, killed in an airstrike – Dec 2
• HAITHAM KHUWAJARI, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, implicated in Oct attacks, killed in an airstrike – Dec 3 – – assessed as false on Feb 1 (2025), after IDF admitted to the mistaken report
• AHMED AYUSH, senior member of military intelligence array, of the Khan Younis Brigade, al-Qarara Battlion, responsible for collections and observational rooms throughout Gaza, killed in airstrike on observational command center – Dec 7
• ABED AZIZ AL-RANTISI, senior member of military intelligence array, responsible for all observational capabilities, implicated in Oct 7 attacks, killed in airstrike on observational command center – Dec 7
• IMAD QARIQA, assumed command of the Gaza City Brigade, Shujaiya Battalion after death of his predecessor on Dec 2, previously in charge of anti-tank missiles training in Gaza City Brigade, killed in an airstrike – Dec 10
• SUBHI FERWANA, financier, responsible for coordinating tens of millions of dollars in funding for paramilitary operations, killed in an airstrike – Dec 19
• ADEL MISMAH, a company commander of the Nukhba forces in Deir al-Balah, a participant in the Oct 7 attacks, leading forces at Kibbutz Kissufim, involved in resistance during the invasion, killed in airstrike directed by IDF ground forces – Jan 1
• SALEH AL-AROURI, deputy chair of the Politburo, overall commander in West Bank, lived in exile, liaison with Hezbollah and the IRGC, accused of multiple attacks, previously imprisoned, killed in a drone strike in Beirut, Lebanon – Jan 2
• AZZAM HASSANI SALEH AL-AQRA, senior Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades commander for areas outside of Gaza, exiled to Lebanon in 1992, killed in same drone strike in Beirut as Arouri – Jan 2
• SAMIR FENDI, the senior Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades commander for southern Lebanon, killed in same drone strike in Beirut as Arouri – Jan 2
• MAHMOUD ZAKI SHAHEEN, MOHAMED AL-RAYES, MOHAMED BASHASHA, and AHMED HAMUD, four lesser ranking members, killed in the same drone strike in Beirut as Arouri – Jan 2
• ISMAIL SIRAJ, commander of the Central Camps Brigade, Nuseirat Battalion, former Nukhba company commander and weapons manufacturer, killed in airstrike – Jan 6
• AHMED WAHABA, deputy commander of the Central Camps Brigade, Nuseirat Battalion, and a replacement for the previous deputy killed in the war, killed in airstrike – Jan 6
• ***By this point in the war, the IDF had successfully eliminated TWO Brigade commanders, and THIRTEEN Battalion commanders (including two replacements), representing ELEVEN different Battalions. The IDF made the claim of killing half of the Battalion commanders by Dec 6, but provided no names or evidence***
• ***Three members of the Jenin Brigade (formed in 2021, the Jenin Brigade is an interoperable unit comprised of members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Hamas, and other militant groups, representing the West Bank city and camp of Jenin) are killed by the IDF in a raid on a West Bank hospital, while the men are patients and purportedly preparing attacks. The maneuver is internationally condemned due to IDF forces masquerading as medical staff and patients. Those killed are MOHAMED JALAMNEH of Hamas, and two brothers, MOHAMED and BASIL GHAZAWI of the PIJ. Raid occurred in a hospital in Jenin – Jan 30
• AHMED GHUL, a (or perhaps the new) commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, implicated in the holding of IDF hostages after, killed in airstrike – Feb 14
• MAHMUD MOHAMED ABED KHAD, an operative responsible for recruiting for the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, killed in an airstrike – Mar 3
• OMAR ATIYAH DARWISH AL-ADINI, commander of Artillery (Rockets) for the Central Camps Brigade, a position held since 2008, implicated in preparations for Oct 7 attacks and directing fire during, killed in an airstrike – Mar 6
• MARWAN ISSA, deputy commander of entire Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades, targeted in Neisurat Camp via an airstrike, initially not assessed as killed by either IDF or Hamas – Mar 9, confirmed killed on Mar 18
• GHAZI ABU TAMAA, chief of Administrative and Combat Support Staff, targeted in same Neisurat Camp airstrike – Mar 9, confirmed March 26
• HADI ALI MUSTAFA, significant operative in Lebanon, focusing on international attacks, killed in airstrike on vehicle near Tyre, Lebanon – Mar 13
• MOHAMED ABU HASNA, operative involved in intelligence gathering, coordination between various units in Gaza, implicated in rerouting of humanitarian aid to militants, killed in airstrike on UNRWA station in Rafah – Mar 13
• FAIQ MAHBOUH, chief of operations directorate of internal security, brother of Mahmud Mahbouh (chief of logistics and procurement) previously assassinated in Dubai in 2010; killed in a battle within al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City – Mar 18
• RAAD THABET, chief of recruitment and supply acquisition, later described as commander of manpower, killed in battle within al-Shifa Hospital (ER) in Gaza City – Mar 28
• MAHMUD KHALIL ZAQZUQ, deputy commander Gaza City Brigade, artillery (rocket) Unit, killed in battle within al-Shifa Hospital (ER) in Gaza City – Mar 28
• FADI MOHAMED JAMAL AL-DAWIK, senior intelligence official, connected to activities in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), one of the two assailants of an attack in the West Bank community of Adora in 2002 resulting in four deaths, released in the Galid Shalit exchange of 2011, killed in al-Shifa maternity ward – Mar 30
• ZAKARIYA LUTFI NAJIB, senior operative and liaison for Hamas activities in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria), responsible for 1994 abduction and murder of an IDF soldier, released in the Galid Shalit exchange of 2011, killed in al-Shifa maternity ward – Mar 30
• HATEM AL-RAMERI, chief of Emergency Bureau in Central Camps, participated with Artillery in Central Camps Brigade, Maghazi Battalion, killed in an airstrike – Apr 8
• AMIR, MOHAMED, and HAZIM HANIYEH, the sons of Hamas overall political commander ISMAIL HANIYEH, claimed by the IDF to be paramilitary operatives, killed in drone strike on their vehicle in al-Shati camp, central Gaza (claimed by Hamas to be political assassinations) – Apr 10
• YUSEF SHABAT, an intelligence operative in the North Gaza Brigade, Bait Hanoun Battalion, also responsible for interrogations in Bait Hanoun,
• AHMED ALI, commander of Naval forces, Gaza City Brigade, successor to Rateb Abu Sahiban, killed in an airstrike – May 8
• AZMI ABU DAQQA, senior supply operative and smuggler of funds and weapons into Gaza, killed in an airstrike – May 18
• RAMI KHALIL FAKI, a senior police official in central Gaza, killed in an airstrike along with deputy and other police, accused of also being affiliated with the Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades. Incident was condemned by some observers as IDF targeted police officials in order to spread chaos – May 18
• ZAHER AL-HOULI, a senior police official in central Gaza with the rank of Colonel, assassinated by the IDF in a drone strike, accused of also being affiliated with the Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades. Incident was condemned by some observers as IDF targeted police officials in order to spread chaos – May 19
• HUSSEIN FAYAD, commander of the North Gaza Brigade, Bait Hanoun Battalion, responsible for multiple anti-tank and mortar launches during the war, killed in a tunnel during an IDF ground and special forces raid in Jabaliya Refugee Camp, as fighting in the north flared again – May 23 [E] – assessed as false on Jan 22 (2025), after Fayad appeared on film praising Hamas
• MOHAMED SHABANA, commander of the Rafah Brigade, targeted via airstrike against underground bunker in Rafah, with results and casualties unclear, however Shabana survived – May 24
• YASSIN SULAIMAN MOHAMED RABIA, commander of the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) HQ unit, directly responsible for coordinating West Bank attacks for the organization, conducted attacks himself during the Second Intifada, freed during Shalit Exchange avoiding two life sentences, killed in an airstrike on a displacement camp in Rafah. A reported 45 Palestinian refugee civilians were killed in the resulting blaze. The international community condemned the airstrike. The IDF claimed that the strike was precise, but accidentally ignited adjacent weapons storage. Furthermore, the IDF claimed that Rabia and his network were directly responsible for eight Israeli deaths during the previous couple of years via their coordination of attacks in the West Bank. The IDF claimed to have killed 18 of the network in the invasion thus far, mostly comprised of Shalit exchange prisoners. Airstrike occurred – May 26
• KHALID NAJJAR, senior operative in the West Bank (Judea and Samaria) HQ unit, comprised of Shalit Exchange prisoners, and responsible for eight Israeli deaths during previous years. Najjar was also implicated for attacks during the Second Intifada. Killed in the same airstrike described above – May 26
• MANSUR ADEL MANSUR KASHLAN, responsible for coordinating terror attacks in Israel and West Bank, killed in an airstrike – late May
• WALID ABED ABU DALAL, responsible for technology departed of internal security service, killed by a drone strike – late May
• TARIQ DARWISH, a commander of the aerial array in the Central Camps Brigade, Nuseirat Battalion, killed by a drone strike – late May
• AKRAM ABDULRAHMAN HUSSAIN SALAMAH, senior operative in Hamas Internal Security, implicated in several previous terrorist incidents, previously responsible for various duties including in Khan Younis, killed in an airstrike in southern Gaza – Jun 4
• RASHED BUBLI and MUSAB HAFIZ DARWISH, low ranking operatives of the Nukhba forces, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, killed in airstrike along with seven PIJ operatives against a UN school in Nuseirat, wherein the IDF claims up to 30 militants were gathered in classrooms, and which Gazans claim was housing hundreds of refugees at the time of the strike, resulting in civilian casualties (three women, nine children, and twelve other men reported killed by the local hospital) – Jun 6
• AHMED HASSAN SALAMAH AL-SWARKEH, a Nukhba squad commander, implicated in Oct 7 attacks and sniper attacks on IDF in Bait Hanoun, killed by a drone strike – Jun 20
• AYMAN RATMA, an operative responsible for supplying weapons from Lebanon, killed by an airstrike in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon – Jun 22
• RAAD SAAD, chief of Operations and Production, considered the fourth in the paramilitary hierarchy, is targeted by an airstrike in Shati, Gaza City, resulting in 42 Palestinians killed, although it was unclear the results as pertaining to Saad (later proven untrue) – Jun 22
• WISSAM ABU ASHAK, weapons smuggler responsible for bringing supplies into Rafah, killed by an airstrike in Rafah – Jun 26
• AYMAN SHOWADEH, deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Shujaiya Battalion, implicated in Oct 7 attacks, killed in an airstrike in Shujaiya, Gaza City, northern Gaza during IDF reengagement of hostilities in that particular neighborhood – Jul 12
• UBAIDAH ABU HAIN, a company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Shujaiya Battalion, killed in an airstrike in Shujaiya, Gaza City, northern Gaza – Jul 12
• MOHAMED DIAB IBRAHIM AL-MASRI (MOHAMED DEIF), overall commander of the Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades, and purported architect of the Oct 7 attacks, targeted in a precision airstrike on an above ground compound in al-Mawasi humanitarian and civilian designated district of Khan Younis in southern Gaza (after much debate his death was confirmed Aug 1) – Jul 13 [L,P]
• RAFAH SALAMAH, commander of the Khan Younis Brigade, and close companion to Mohamed Deif, targeted in a precision airstrike along with Deif on an above ground compound in al-Mawasi humanitarian and civilian designated district of Khan Younis in southern Gaza; at least 90 Palestinians are reportedly killed, with the IDF claiming that they were militants, and Hamas claiming they were civilians (his death was confirmed on Jul 14) – Jul 13 [M]
• MOHAMED HAMAD JABARAH, a dual Hamas / al-Jama’a al-Islamiyya operative, based in Lebanon and responsible for perpetrating rocket and artillery attacks against northern Israel, commander of the Khalid Ali Unit under the Construction Bureau, killed by an airstrike on his vehicle in Ghazzeh, Lebanon in the Western Beqaa valley – Jul 18 [N]
• MOHAMED ABU JATTAB, a platoon commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, known for being a sniper, implicated in the killing of an IDF soldier on Jul 9 in Gaza, killed in an IDF operation and drone strike against 20 Shati Battalion operatives in northern Gaza – Jul 18
• ISMAIL SHAKSHAK, a Nukhba operative in the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, implicated as a direct participant in the Oct 7 attacks, killed in an IDF operation and drone strike against 20 Shati Battalion operatives in northern Gaza – Jul 18
• ISMAIL HANIYEH, the overall elected political leader of Hamas, killed by a bomb planted two months prior to his arrival in Tehran, Iran; detonated after he attended ceremonies to commemorate the new Iranian President – Jul 31 [P]
• WISAM ABU SHAABAN, protector and bodyguard of Haniyeh, was a member of a cell that infiltrated Israel during Operation Protective Edge in 2014 and used an anti-tank projectile to kill five IDF soldiers, a former Nukhba deputy company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Sabra Tel al-Hawa Battalion, permanent member of Haniyeh security entourage since 2019, killed with the overall commander during bombing of residence in Tehran, Iran – Jul 31 [P]
• RAWHI MUSHTAHA, a senior Politburo and founding member, responsible for finances and reported as the de facto prime minister, freed during the Shalit Exchange in 2011, targeted in November 2023, killed in bombing of tunnels in late July, confirmed after corpse was recovered, reported internationally – Aug 2 (confirmed by IDF Oct 2)
• SAMEH AL-SIRAJ, another senior Politburo member whose responsibilities included finances, also the reported leader of the al-Majd which managed internal security, also a unit focused on counterintelligence, killed in the same late July bombing as Mushtaha, confirmed and reported – Aug 2 (confirmed by IDF Oct 2)
• MOHAMED HADID, commander of Artillery (Rockets) for the Gaza City Brigade, killed in the same late July bombing as Mushtaha, confirmed and reported – Aug 2
• ABDULHADI SIAM, commander of intelligence for the Gaza City Brigade, killed in the same late July bombing as Mushtaha, confirmed and reported – Aug 2
• SAMI ODEH, described as a leader in the general security apparatus, killed in the same late July bombing as Mushtaha, confirmed and reported – Aug 2 (confirmed by IDF Oct 2)
• ABDULFATTAH AL-ZARIAI, described as the Economic Minister of the politburo, a vital contributor to the Manufacturing Department for weaponry, distributor of fuels in Gaza, and interferer with foreign humanitarian aid shipments, killed in an airstrike in Deir al-Balah – Aug 4
• JABIR AZIZ, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Sheikh Radwan Battalion, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, killed in precision airstrikes against two schools housing command and control centers in the al-Furqan neighborhood of Gaza City – Aug 4 [Q]
• SAMIR MAHMUD AL-HAJ, paramilitary commander for the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Sidon, Lebanon, responsible for recruitment and training of inductees for attacks against Israel and artillery launches across the border, killed in a drone strike against his vehicle in Sidon – Aug 9
• YUSEF SAID AL-WADIYA; SHADI RAFAAT AL-ZAIM; IHAB BAKR AL-JABARI; MUAMAN JABIR HABIB; MOHAMED RAMADAN ASHITAWI AL-GHAFAI; ACHRAF RAFIQ AL-ABED AL-GHAFAI; ABED AL-KARIM RASHIDI HAMID; MOHAMED TAIF; SANAD SULAIMAN HAMADA GHAROUR; HUSSEIN AKRAM RUBIN ZINO; MOHAMED ZAKI ABDULAZIZ ABU KHAYEH; and WAIL SAMI ABDULLAH QASIM; these twelve described simply as ‘Operatives,’ killed in the bombing of the al-Tabaeen School in the Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City, in which thousands of refugees were sheltering (The IDF named 31 Hamas and PIJ militants killed – Palestinian sources claim as many as 93 killed, including women and children) – Aug 8
• MOHAMED RAMADAN HAMAD HABIB, a former Nukhba militant, and current assistant within the Operations headquarters; BILAL AHMED MOHAMED ABU ASIR, a former Artillery Array officer, and current logistics officer within general security; YUSEF HASSAN MAHMUD SHUBKI, operative within Production headquarters; YUSEF MOHAMED ISSA SHAWAIDEH, officer in police operations; UBAIDAH HAMAD SAID AMDUKH, a former Nukhba platoon commander, and current paramilitary intelligence officer; HAMAD MOHAMED RASHID ZINO, a sniper; ABED AL-AZIZ MUSBAH AL-KAFARNEH, of the emergencies committee; MOHAMED HASSAN ABU SAADA, a paramilitary intelligence officer; AMJAD YAMINI, a platoon commander (presumably within Gaza City Brigade, Daraj-Tuffah Battalion based on location); MOHAMED JABIR HARARAH, a deputy terror cell commander; and YUSEF AL-KHAHLUT, simply described as an official in central leadership; these eleven killed in the bombing of the al-Tabaeen School in the Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City, in which thousands of refugees were sheltering (The IDF named 31 Hamas and PIJ militants killed – Palestinian sources claim as many as 93 killed, including women and children) – Aug 8
• AHMED ABU ARA and RAFAAT DAWASI, described as senior operatives in Jenin, West Bank, linked to the August 11 shooting attack in the Jordan Valley in which one Israeli civilian was killed; Abu Ara linked to further attacks and to weapons and explosives manufacturing while Dawasi was described as a commander within the Jenin network; both killed via a drone strike on their vehicle in Jenin – Aug 17
• WASIM HAZIM, the commander of operations in Jenin, West Bank, allegedly linked to multiple bombings and shootings, killed during a counter terrorism operation in Jenin, in which his vehicle was engaged and a drone strike eliminated those fleeing the scene – Aug 29
• MAYSARA MASHARQA and ARAFAT AMIR, two subordinates of Wasim Hazim in Jenin, accused of culpability in multiple shootings, killed in the same incident described above, as they fled the engaged vehicle, during the largest IDF incursion into the West Bank in two decades – Aug 29
• AHMED FAWZI NASIR MOHAMED WADIYA, a Nukhba company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Daraj-Tuffah Battalion, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, having led a paraglider assault against Netiv Ha’asara, killed in an airstrike in vicinity of al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City – Sep 3
• SAMIR ISMAIL KHADER ABU DAQQA, commander of Aerial Array forces (drones, paragliders, defenses, etc), assumed command in Oct 2023, implicated in paraglider and drone portions of Oct 7 attacks, previously commanded drone forces and their production, targeted in an airstrike on a humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, southern Gaza (confirmed killed on Oct 13, 2024) – Sep 10
• OSAMA TABASH, an intelligence operative responsible for surveillance and targets, targeted in same airstrike as Aerial Array force commander on humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, southern Gaza – Sep 10
• AYMAN MABHOUH, senior operative targeted in same airstrike as Aerial Array force commander on humanitarian zone in Khan Younis, southern Gaza – Sep 10
• ABDULLAH ABU REALA, a fighter in the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks and the holding of at least one hostage, and AYMAN KHALID AHMED ABU ALLAHYANI, a Nukhba fighter also implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, both killed in airstrikes – Sep 11
• BASSEM MAJID SHAHIN, platoon commander, implicated in Oct 7 attack; MOHAMED ADNAN ABU ZAID, UN staffer and alleged member of mortar crew; IYAD MATAR, UN staffer and alleged militant; YASIR IBRAHIM ABU SHARAR, UN staffer, alleged militant, and emergency committee member; AYSER QARDAYA, of internal security forces; OMAR AL-JUDAILI and AKRAM SABER AL-GHALIDI, militants and internal security forces; MOHAMED ISSA ABU AL-AMIR, militant implicated in Oct 7 attacks; and SHARIF SALAM, a militant; these twelve described as Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades militants and/or internal security, killed in the bombing of a purported Hamas control center in the UNRWA managed al-Jawni School in the Nuseirat Camp, in which at least 2,000 refugees were sheltering (The IDF named 9 Hamas militants killed, including three UN employees – Palestinian sources claim 18 killed, including women and children and six UN staffers on a lunch break – representing both blatant disregard for refugee concentrations and the UN by all factions involved, and the potentinal conflation of internal security with militants) – Sep 11
• HUSSEIN MAHMUD AL-NADER, described as a Hamas paramilitary field commander, based in southern Lebanon, killed in an airstrike during the initial wave of bombings in Operation Northern Arrows, the IDF aerial campaign against Hezbollah – Sep 23
• FATEH SHARIF ABU AL-AMIN, described as the commander of Hamas in Lebanon, employed and later suspended by UNRWA in an educational capacity, killed alongside his family in an airstrike in al-Bass refuge camp, Tyre, southern Lebanon – Sep 30
• ABDULAZIZ YUSEF MUSTAFA SALAHI, operative responsible for the Oct 2000 murders of two IDF reservists in Ramallah, released in the 2011 Shalit Exchange, responsible for recent plots in the West Bank coordinated from Gaza, killed in an airstrike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza – Oct 3
• ZAHI YASIR ABDULRAZZAQ AL-AWFI, operative based in Tulkarem, West Bank, responsible for attempted car bombings and other attacks, attempting to conduct Oct 7 anniversary attacks, killed in an airstrike on Tulkarem which killed 18 – Oct 4
• MOHAMED HUSSAIN ALI AL-MAHMUD, described as an executive authority in Lebanon for Hamas, killed in an airstrike in southern Lebanon – Oct 5
• SAID ATTALLAH ALI, a commander in the Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades based in Lebanon, killed alongside his family in an airstrike on his home in the Beddawi Refugee Camp near Tripoli (described by the IDF as SAID ALAA NAIF ALI, known for recruiting and training) – Oct 5
• MOHAMED RIFAYI, operative implicated in the Oct 7 attacks at Kfar Aza and Nahal Oz, killed in an airsrtike on a command center embedded within a school in Gaza City – Sep 30
• MOHAMED ZANUN and BASIL AKHARS, operatives implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, killed in an airstrike in northern Gaza – Oct 1
• MAHMUD KHAMIS SULAIMAN AWAD, deputy anti-tank platoon commander in the North Gaza Brigade, killed during the airstrike against the commande and control center in Jabaliya – Oct 9 (2024)
• MUSTAFA ABDULAZIZ, operative and plantoon commander in Military Intelligence, killed during the airstrike against the command and control center in Jabaliya – Oct 9 (2024)
• MOHAMED RABIA MUSBAH ARINI and ZAKARIA HUSSAIN ABU HABAL, Nukhba Platoon commanders of the North Gaza Brigade, Suhail Ziadah Battalion (known as the East Jabaliya), implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, also killed during the airstrike against the command and control center in Jabaliya – Oct 9 (2024)
• SAHER FARID MOHAMED ABU RASHID, operative of the North Gaza Brigade, Suhail Ziadah Battalion (known as the East Jabaliya), implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, also killed during the airstrike against the command and control center in Jabaliya – Oct 9 (2024)
• BILAL BASHIR MOHAMED AL-SHARAFI, KARIM SALEH HASSAN ABU DAHER, ASSAD YUSEF SAID HAZA, and IBRAHIM ABU AL-JALILI, operatives of the North Gaza Brigade, Suhail Ziadah Battalion (known as the East Jabaliya), also killed during the airstrike against the command and control center in Jabaliya – Oct 9 (2024)
• SAID HIZAR SAID SIBABA, generic engineering and paramilitary operative, also killed during the airstrike against the command and control center in Jabaliya – Oct 9 (2024)
• MAHMUD MAHBOUH, (not to be confused with the infamous Mahmud Mahbouh assassinated by the Mossad in 2010), commander of the North Gaza Brigade, drone unit, responsible for launching drones from northern Gaza into Israel, killed in an airstrike on Jabaliya, northern Gaza – Oct 16 (2024)
• YAHYA SINWAR, overall commander of Hamas since the Haniyeh assassination and political leader of Gaza since 2017, freed in the 2011 Shalit exchange, orchestrator of the Oct 7 attacks, killed by a routine patrol of the Bislamach Brigade, 450th Battalion, in the Tel Sultan district of Rafah in southern Gaza – Oct 16 (2024) [W]
• MAHMUD HAMDAN, commander of the Rafah Brigade, Tel Sultan Battalion, tasked with protecting Yahya Sinwar in Rafah, previously and erroneously declared as assassinated in a drone strike in September 2024, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, killed in battle with the Bislamach Brigade in Tel Sultan, Rafah, southern Gaza, just 200 meters from where his charge was slain – Oct 19 (2024)
• MOHAMED MARWAN ABU ATTAWI, a Nukhba platoon commander of the Central Camps Brigade, Bureij Battalion, implicated in the attack on a roadside bunker near Kibbutz Reim on Oct 7 in which 16 were killed and 4 abducted, killed in an airstrike in Gaza – Oct 23 (2024)
• ISLAM JAMIL ODEH, the leader of a terror unit in the West Bank that was intent on carrying out attacks on the Oct 7 anniversary, assumed leadership after the assassination of his previous superior Zahi al-Awfi, killed by Yamam counterterror officers during a gunfight and siege of a compound in Tulkarem, West Bank – Oct 26 (2024)
• HUSSAM AL-MALAH, the third leader of a terror unit in the West Bank that was intent on carrying out attacks to include Oct 7 operations, assumed custodianship of the network after the assassinations of his two previous superiors Zahi al-Awfi and Islam Odeh, killed during an engagement in Tulkarem, West Bank – Oct 31 (2024) [Y]
• IZZALDIN KASSAB, Politburo National Relations Minister, described as coordinating between various militant groups within Gaza, and as one of the last remaining Politburo members in theatre, killed in an airstrike in southern Gaza – Nov 1 (2024)
• RIFAAT IBRAHIM MAHMUD AQDEH, adjutant to the commander of Nukhba forces in the Khan Younis Brigade, implicated in the Nir Oz assault of the Oct 7 attacks, killed in an airstrike in southern Gaza – Nov 3 (2024)
• YASIR GHANDI, an operative of an undetermined unit, implicated as participant in Oct 7 attacks, killed along with other gunmen in a drone strike in Shujaiya, Gaza City – Nov 13 (2024)
• JIHAD MAHMUD YAHYA KAHLOUT, a Nukhba company commander, MOHAMED RIYADH ALI OKAIL, a company commander, ANAS JALAL MOHAMED ABU SHAKIAN, another commanding militant, NURALDIN MOHAMED YAHYA ABU JADIAN, a Nukhba operative, and SIHAB HASSAN ALI MATAR AL-DAIM, another militant operative, all of the North Gaza Brigade, Imad Aqil (Western Jabaliya) Battalion, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, specifically the murders and abductions of Kibbutz Mefalsim, killed in an airstrike on a compound in Bait Lahia, northern Gaza – Nov 21 (2024)
• MURAD AWADH YUNIS AL-RAJUB, operative responsible for May 2002 Beersheba bombing, released in 2011 Shalit exchange, killed in a drone strike in Gaza City – Nov 22 (2024)
• AHMED ABDULHALIM ABU HUSSAIN, commander of artillery (rockets) in the North Gaza Brigade, Suhail Ziadah Battalion (known as the East Jabaliya), killed in an airstrike in northern Gaza – Nov 25 (2024)
• AHED QADEH, militant implicated in Kibbutz Nir Oz assault during Oct 7 attacks, employed by the World Central Kitchen, tracked and killed by a drone strike in Khan Younis – Nov 30 (2024)
• WAIL LAHLOUH, militant implicated in the August 11 terrorist shooting attack in the Jordan Valley which murdered one Israeli, as well as other shooting attacks, killed along with three others in his cell in a drone strike on their vehicle in Sir village, near Jenin, West Bank – Dec 1 (2024)
• NIDAL AL-NAJJAR, commander of aerial array forces in the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, implicated in aerial paraglider assaults during Oct 7 attacks, as well as aerial defenses and drone strikes during Gaza war, killed in an airstrike in northern Gaza – Dec 3 (2024)
• OSAMA GHANIM, senior operative in Hamas Internal Security, responsible for suppressing dissent and conducting interrogations and persecutions, among other duties, killed in an airstrike in the al-Mawasi humanitarian corridor in Khan Younis, southern Gaza (resulting in at least 20 civilian deaths due to fires amongst the tents) – Dec 4 (2024)
• MAJDI AQILAN, the deputy commander of and a company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, implicated in the kibbutz Nahal Oz massacre of Oct 7 attacks, killed in an airstrike in northern Gaza, announced – Dec 6 (2024)
• MAMDUH MEHNA, a senior tunnel specialist in the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, implicated in the kibbutz Nahal Oz massacre of Oct 7 attacks, killed in an airstrike in northern Gaza, announced – Dec 6 (2024)
• AHMED SUWAIDAN, a company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Shati Battalion, implicated in abductions during the Oct 7 attacks, killed in the same airstrike in northern Gaza, announced – Dec 6 (2024)
• FAHMI SALAMI, commander of Nukhba forces in the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, implicated in commanding the assault on the Paga IDF outpost during the Oct 7, killed in an airstrike against the al-Falah school in Gaza City, northern Gaza – Dec 11 (2024)
• SALEH DAHMAN, commander of Paraglider operations, recently commanding all aerial operations, killed in an airstrike in Jabaliya, northern Gaza – Dec 11 (2024)
• AMMAR DALUL, a department head in weapons manufacturing, and a company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, JIHAD YASIN, a company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, YAHYA MASUD MOHAMED ASHQAR, implicated as a participant in the Oct 7 attacks, LUAY FARID FAYEZ HUSSEIN ALI, a platoon commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, KAMAL SABIR SALIM ARAFAT, MOHAMED AKRAM ARAJ, IMAD AWUNI IBRAHIM RAYAN, militant operatives in the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, and RAED SAMIR MASUD HARAZAIN, of internal security, all killed in an airstrike against the al-Hurriyah school in Gaza City, supposedly being utilized as a paramilitary command and control center – Dec 12 (2024) [AA]
• DIAB IMAD ALI ABDULRAHMAN AL-JARU, mayor of Deir al-Balah, implicated in coordinating with paramilitary forces against IDF invasion of Gaza, killed in an airstrike on the Deir al-Balah municipal building in central Gaza – Dec 11 (2024)
• THIRWAT MOHAMED AHMED AL-BAIK, commander of Hamas security directorate, under the General Security Service, the primary intelligence apparatus of the organization, killed in an airstrike in Gaza City, northern Gaza – Dec 22 (2024)
• MOHAMED JAMIL SALMAN AL-BASUS, senior Engineering unit commander, implicated in storing and providing explosives to militants, killed in an airstrike in Zaitun, Gaza City, northern Gaza – Dec 25 (2024)
• MOHAMED KAMAL MOHAMED AL-HAJJ, a sniper and company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, implicated in sniper attacks in Gaza, killed in the same airstrike in Zaitun, Gaza City, northern Gaza – Dec 25 (2024)
• ABDULHADI SABBAH, a Nukhba platoon commander in the Khan Younis Brigade, West Khan Younis Battalion, implicated in leading the assault on Nir Oz during Oct 7 attacks, killed in a drone strike in humanitarian zone of Khan Younis – Dec 31 (2024)
• HUSSAM SHAWAN, deputy chief of Hamas police force, senior operative in the internal security apparatus for southern Gaza, killed in an airstrike on the al-Mawasi humanitarian corridor, in vicinity of Khan Younis, southern Gaza – Jan 2 (2025)
• JAAFAR AHMED DABABSEH, an operative of indeterminant rank, killed during and raid and gunfight in Talluza village near Nablus, West Bank – Jan 7 (2025)
• OSAMA ABU NAMUS, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Sabra Tel al-Hawa Battalion, described as a source of knowledge, implicated in attacks on the IDF within the Netzarim Corridor, killed in a drone strike in northern Gaza – Jan 9 (2025)
• MOHAMED AL-TARQ, deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Sabra Tel al-Hawa Battalion, previously a commander of a Nukhba company within the battalion, responsible for attacks on the IDF within the Netzarim Corridor, killed an a separate drone strike in norther Gaza – Jan 9 (2025)
• BAHA IBRAHIM AL-HIJA, a commander in Jenin, killed in a drone strike on a vehicle in Jenin, West Bank, along with at least three fighters – Jan 14 (2025)
• MUAMIN IBRAHIM AL-HIJA, AMIR IBRAHIM AL-HIJA, IBRAHIM MUSTAFA AL-QANARI (associated with ISIS), killed in a drone strike on a vehicle targeting their commander in Jenin, West Bank – Jan 14 (2025)
• IHAB ABU ATAWI, commander of paramilitary forces in Tulkarem, Judea and Samaria, and RAMZI DAMIRI, one of his men, killed in a drone strike on their vehicle in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp, West Bank – Jan 27 (2025) [CC]
• MOHAMED IBRAHIM SHAHIN, commander of all operations in Lebanon, implicated in rocket attacks on northern Israel, killed in an airstrike on a vehicle in Sidon, southern Lebanon – Feb 17 (2025)
• AYSAR AL-SAADI, commander of paramilitary forces in Jenin, Judea and Samaria, killed along with additional militant during gunbattle with raiding IDF forces in Jenin, West Bank – Mar 3 (2025)
• ISSAM DA’ALIS, senior Politburo member, primary leader of the Government Administrative Committee in Gaza, thus one of the chief political figures, reported to have replaced Rawhi Mushtaha as the de facto prime minister, killed during airstrikes across Gaza shattering the tenuous ceasefire, which are believed to have slain over 400 – Mar 18 (2025)
• AHMED OMAR AL-HATTA, the Politburo Justice Minister, MAHMUD MARZUK AHMED ABU WATFA, the Politburo Interior Minister, overseeing internal security, and BAHAJAT HASSAN MOHAMED ABU SULTAN, operational commander for the internal security apparatus, all confirmed killed during airstrikes across Gaza which shattered the ceasefire and are believed to have slain 400 – Mar 18 (2025) [DD]
• MOHAMED AL-JAMASSI ABU UBAIDAH, Poliburo chief of emergency committee, responsible for aid distribution and maintaining governance during the invasion, previously known to have been a senior political official in southern Gaza, also killed in the ceasefire ending airstrikes – Mar 18 (2025)
• YASIR MOHAMED HARB, Politburo member, father to five sons previously killed while fighting in the Nukhba forces, killed during the ceasefire ending airstrikes – Mar 18 (2025)
• RASHID JAHJUH, leader of the general security apparatus and internal propaganda, having assumed command in July 2024, and AYMAN ASALAH, leader of the general security apparatus in Khan Younis, both killed during the ceasefire ending airstrikes – Mar 20 (2025)
• OSAMA TABASH, commander of the Surveillance and Targeting Unit, and chief of paramilitary Intelligence in southern Gaza, implicated in coordination for the Oct 7 attacks as well as the 2005 Gush Katif junction suicide bombing in which an Israeli Shin Bet officer was slain, killed during a ceasefire ending airstrike – Mar 20 (2025)
• MOHAMED HASSAN AL-AMOUR, aide and guard to Yahya al-Sinwar, killed during a ceasefire ending airstrike – Mar 22 (2025)
• SALEH AL-BARDAWIL, Politburo Planning and Development Minister, believed to have assisted in paramilitary planning, killed with his wife in a ceasefire ending drone strike against his tent in Khan Younis – Mar 22 (2025)
• ISMAIL BARHOUM, Politburo Financial Minister, believed to have assumed the position of de facto prime minister after the assassination of Ismail Da’alis, killed in an airstrike on Nasir Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, while recovering from injuries sustained in the previous ceasefire ending airstrikes – Mar 23 (2025)
• AHMED SALMAN AWJ AL-SHAMALI, deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade, implicated in the preparations for the Oct 7 attacks, and for attacks on the IDF during the war as he helped reorganize the Brigade, killed in the ceasefire ending airstrikes – Mar 23 (2025)
• JAMIL OMAR JAMIL WADIYA, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Shujaiya Battalion, the third commander of the unit during the war, assumed command in December 2023 after the deaths of the previous commanders, responsible for reorganizing the Battalion during the war, also implicated in the 2011 anti-tank missile attack against a school bus near the Gaza border resulting in the death of an Israeli student, killed in the ceasefire ending airstrikes – Mar 23 (2025)
• ABDULLATIF RAJAB AL-QANUA, a major spokesman, killed in an airstrike against his tent in Jabaliya, northern Gaza – Mar 27 (2025)
• SAID AHMED AL-KHADHARI, a financial facilitator, in charge of a money exchange, the brother of Hamed al-Khadhari, a deceased designated terrorist, killed in an airstrike – Apr 3 (2025)
• HASSAN AHMED FARHAT, commander of Hamas paramilitary forces in the western sector of Lebanon, implicated in several attacks on Israel, including a February 14, 2024 rocket strike that killed a soldier, killed in an airstrike in Sidon, southern Lebanon – Apr 4 (2025)
• HAMZA HASSAN FARHAT, son of commander of paramilitary forces in western sector of Lebanon and acknowledged operative, killed in an airstrike alongside his father and sister, in Sidon, southern Lebanon – Apr 4 (2025)
• HAITHAM RAZIK ABDULKARIM SHEIKH KHALIL, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Shujaiya Battalion, the fourth militant in charge of the unit during the war, previously a Nukhba company commander, implicated in leading assault on Nahal Oz during Oct 7 attacks, and against the IDF in Gaza, killed in an airstrike against a control center in Gaza City, northern Gaza – Apr 9 (2025)
• AHMED IYAD MOHAMED FARHAT, commander of sniper forces in the Rafah Brigade, Tel Sultan Battalion, implicated in attacks against the IDF in Gaza, killed in an airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza – Apr 11 (2025)
• MOHAMED AL-AJLAH, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Shujaiya Battaltion, the fifth militant in charge of the unit during the war, previously the combat support company commander, responsible for armaments, killed in an airstrike in Shujaiya, Gaza City, northern Gaza – Apr 13 (2025)
• HAMZA WAIL MOHAMED ASAFAH, a Nukhba cell commander in the Central Camps Brigade, Deir al-Balah Battaltion, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks and hostage release ceremonies, killed in an airstrike two weeks prior in central Gaza – announced on Apr 15 (2025)
• KHALID AHMED AL-AHMED, operations commander in the western sector of Lebanon, responsibile for attacks against northern Israel and the transfer of weaponry, killed in a drone strike against his vehicle in Sidon, southern Lebanon – May 7 (2025)
• MOHAMED SINWAR, overall paramilitary commander of Hamas, previously commander of Southern Division of Brigades (Khan Younis and Rafah), brother of Yahya Sinwar, killed in a strike against a tunnel network and bunker underneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza – May 13 (2025)
• MOHAMED SHABANA, the oft targeted commander of the Rafah Brigade, killed in the same strike as Mohamed Sinwar, against a tunnel network and bunker underneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza – May 13 (2025)
• MAHDI QAWARA, the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade, South Khan Younis Battalion, killed in the same strike as Mohamed Sinwar, against a tunnel network and bunker underneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza – May 13 (2025) [EE]
• KHALIL ABED AL-NASIR MOHAMED KHATIB, a notorious company commander of the Central Camps Brigade, Maghazi Battalion, responsible for the Jan 22 (2024) attack that killed 21 IDF soldiers, killed in a drone strike – Jun 1 (2025)
• IBRAHIM ABU SHAMALA, chief paramilitary financial officer, an aide to Marwan Issa, implicated in the transfer of funds to Gaza, killed in an airstrike in central Gaza – Jun 17 (2025)
• MUSAB YASIR ABDULLAH GHALBAN and ABDULLATIF MUSA HAJJAJ BARBAKH, operatives implicated in the deaths of 7 IDF in an IED attack on an Armored Personnel Carrier in Khan Younis, killed in an airstrike in Khan Younis – Jun 26 (2025)
• HAKHAM MOHAMED ISSA AL-ISSA, known as Abu Omar al-Suri, member of General Miliary Council, commander of Combat Support, a founder of both Hamas and its paramilitary operations division, former overseer of training and paramilitary Academy, migrated from Syria in 2005, implicated in the planning of the Oct 7 attacks, labored to reestablish paramilitary organization and conduct attacks during IDF invasion, killed in an airstrike in Sabra, Gaza City, northern Gaza – Jun 27 (2025)
• RAMZI RAMADAN ABDAH ALI ABU SALEH, commander of naval forces in northern Gaza, implicated in continued attacks throughout the war, killed in a horrific airstrike on a coastal internet cafe (al-Baqa) in Gaza City in which a 500lb munition was inexplicably utilized, resulting in numerous civilians (including children) being killed – Jun 30 (2025)
• HISHAM AYMAN ATIYAH MANSUR, deputy commander of a mortar unit, and NASIM MOHAMED SULAIMAN ABU SABHA an operative in a mortar unit, killed in the horrific airstrike on a coastal internet cafe in Gaza City in which numerous civilians were killed, while they were meeting with the northern paramilitary naval commander – Jun 30 (2025)
• MUSAB YASIR ABDULLAH GHALBAN and ABDULLATIF MUSA HAJAJ BARBAKH, two operatives implicated in a June 24, 2025 attack on IDF, killed in an airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza – Jul 2 (2025)
• TAHA ABU AYADEH, a platoon commander in the Nukhba force, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks, specifically against Kibbutz Magen, killed in an airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza – announced Jul 8 (2025)
• MEHRAN MUSTAFA BAJUR, a prominent commander in Lebanon, implicated in artillery attacks against northern Israel, weaponry purchases, and establishment of paramilitary infrastructure in Lebanon, killed in an airstrike on a vehicle in Tyre, northern Lebanon – Jul 8 (2025)
• MOHAMED QASHTA, commander of naval forces in Rafah, declared as killed in recent operations throughout Gaza along with five other naval officials, however these individuals were actually eliminated during a much wider range, between Oct 2023 – Jun 2025, announced – Jul 11 (2025)
• MOHAMED ABU AWAD, senior operative of projects and development within weapons production department, BILAL ABU SHIKHA, a commander in weapons production department, TAYSIR SHARIM, a commander in weapons production department, MUNTHIR SALAMI, a commander of a weapons production facility, MUSTAFA DABABASH, a deputy commander in weapons production department, BILAL MUSALAM, a commander in military intelligence, AHMED ABU SHAMALA, a squadron commander in military intelligence, and RABI MUSTAFA RABI SUKHWAIL, a senior financial operative implicated in the transfer of millions in funding to paramilitary forces, all killed in operations and airstrikes over the previous two weeks aimed at disrupting paramilitary infrastructure, financing, intelligence, and weapons procurement throughout Gaza, announced – Jul 13 (2025)
• MOHAMED GHASEEN, commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Daraj-Tuffah Battalion, implicated in the Oct 7 attacks and in attacks throughout the war, killed in airstrike on Daraj-Tuffah, announced – Jul 18 (2025)
• SALAHADDIN ZAARA, deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Sheikh Radwan (al-Furqan) Battalion, implicating in directing several assaults during war, killed in an airstrike – Jul 24 (2025)
• MURAD ABU JARAD, deputy commander of the North Gaza Brigade, Bait Hanoun Battalion, believed to have been the ground commander for the Battalion during 2024 while actual commander Hussein Fayyad was believed dead and perhaps injured, implicated in Oct 7 attacks, killed during operations in Bait Hanoun, northern Gaza, announced – Aug 8 (2025)
• NASIR MUSA, responsible for training and readiness of the Rafah Brigade, close associate of Brigade commander Mohamed Shabana, and former intelligence officer and reconnaissance officer within the Brigade, killed in an airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza – Aug 9 (2025)
• JIHAD KAMAL SALIM NAJJAR, operative implicated in the raid on Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Oct 7 attacks, responsible for an abduction, killed in an airstrike – Aug 10 (2025)
• MOHAMED NAIF ABU SHAMALA, a Nukhba company commander, implicated in attacking the IDF Ma’aras outpost during the Oct 7 attacks, killed in combat against the Kfir Brigade in Khan Younis, southern Gaza – Aug 13 (2025)
• MAHMUD AL-ASWAD, commander of the general security apparatus for western Gaza, killed in an airstrike – Aug 22 (2025)
• HAZIM AWNI NAIM, intelligence officer for the Gaza City Brigade, confidant to Izzaldin al-Haddad, implicated in the capture and holding of hostages from Oct 7 attacks, killed in an airstrike in Gaza City, northern Gaza – Aug 28 (2025)
• HUDAIFA SAMIR ABDULLAH AL-KAHLUT, known as Abu Ubaidah, paramilitary spokesman since 2004, killed in an airstrike on an apartment in Gaza City, northern Gaza – Aug 30 (2025)
• AHMED ABU DEIF, deputy commander of the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, a position held since 2024, killed in operations in northern Gaza during August, announced – Sep 2 (2025)
• TALIB SADIQI TALIB ABU ATAWI, a Nukhba force commander, implicated in involvement in the Oct 7 attacks, killed in operations in northern Gaza during August, announced – Sep 2 (2025)
• WASIM BASSAM HAMADI KHUDAIR, a platoon commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, killed in operations in northern Gaza during August, announced – Sep 2 (2025)
• MOHAMED HASHEM NAALAD IMAM, a platoon commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Sabra Tel al-Hawa Battalion, killed in operations in northern Gaza during August, announced – Sep 2 (2025)
• HUMAM KHALIL AL-HAYYA, son of leader Khalil al-Hayya, killed in airstrike on a residential compound in Doha, Qatar – Sep 9 (2025) – [II]
• JIHAD LABAD, director of office for Khalil al-Hayya, killed in the airstrike on a residential compound in Doha, Qatar – Sep 9 (2025)
• ABDULLAH ABDULWAHID, MUAMIN HASSUNA, and AHMED AL-MAMLUK, guards killed in the airstrike on a residential compound in Doha, Qatar – Sep 9 (2025)
• YUSEF MAHMUD MOHAMED JUMA, field commander of a cell implicated in raiding Kibbutz Alumim during the Oct 7 attacks, killed in operations from Aug-Sep in northern Gaza, announced – Sep 14 (2025)
• SAMIR NABILAH SAIF LAKTA, a cell commander in the Nukhba force, killed in operations from Aug-Sep in northern Gaza, announced – Sep 14 (2025)
• ISSA ABED ISSA ABBAS, a company commander in the Gaza City Brigade, Zaitun Battalion, killed in operations from Aug-Sep in northern Gaza, announced – Sep 14 (2025)
• ISMAIL MAHMUD QASIM ADWAN, AHMED ISMAIL MAHMUD ADWAN, and MOHAMED MAHMUD ISMAIL, operatives of the North Gaza Brigade, Bait Hanoun Battalion, killed in operations from Aug-Sep in northern Gaza, announced – Sep 14 (2025)
• IYAD ABU YUSEF, deputy commander of naval police forces, implicated in participation in Oct 7 attacks and ambushes during the Gaza invasion, killed in an airstrike in central Gaza – Sep 22 (2025)

SUBSTANTIVE NOTES:

• [A] By December 19, 2023 the IDF declares that the NORTH GAZA BRIGADE has been dismantled and defeated. This after their leadership was devastated in a Nov 26 airstrike.
• [B] By February 18, 2024 the IDF declares that the KHAN YOUNIS BRIGADE has been dismantled and defeated.
• [C] By March 27, 2024, the IDF declares that they have dismantled 20 out of 24 of the original Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades Battalions, with upwards of 13,000 supposed militants killed in operations. Presumably, the three known (at the time) Battalions of the Rafah Brigade are among the survivors, considering the IDF had yet to raid that particular enclave. They are the Eastern Battalion, the Khalid bin al-Walid Battalion in Yabna Refugee Camp, and the Shaboura Battalion in Shaboura Refugee Camp. By the end of March, well over 32,000 Palestinians total are reported to have been slain by the IDF invasion. This maintains the admission of incredible collateral casualties during the operations. Of the reported masterminds of the Oct 7 attacks, both Sinwar brothers, Mushtaha, and Deif all remained alive.
• [D] By April 24, 2024, conflicting statements from the IDF appear concerning the number of Hamas Battalions remaining. This new revised estimate declares six functional, with the Rafah Brigade consisting of and organized into four of these Battalions. The Eastern Battalion, the Khalid bin al-Walid (Yabna) in the south, the Shaboura Battalion in the north, and the Tel Sultan Battalion in the west. The Tel Sultan was not listed on initial assessments of Hamas paramilitary strength from the beginning of the war. However, sources declared that there was evidence that a fourth Rafah Battalion probably existed. This revision acknowledges the existence of this additional force. The final two Battalions that remained operational were from the Central Camps Brigade: the Nuseirat Battalion and the Deir al-Balah Battalion. Of note, both of these Battalions saw their initial commanders slain during the course of the campaign (see above).
• [E] For three weeks in May, the IDF reengages Hamas units in northern Gaza, specifically in Jabaliya Refugee Camp, refuting the idea that the northern Brigades were entirely dysfunctional. Note the May 23 IDF assassination of the Bait Hanoun Battalion commander and accusation that he was coordinating artillery attacks. The December 18 IDF communique declaring the NORTH GAZA BRIGADE dismantled, specifically includes reference to the destruction of the Bait Hanoun Battalion.
• [F] By May 11, 2024, anonymous Israeli officials quietly admitted that the Rafah Brigade had displaced two of its Battalions displaced to Khan Younis and the Central Camps to reinforce militants therein. The remaining two Battalions fortified the western Tel Sultan area of Rafah. This report corresponds to increased fighting in central Gaza.
• [G] By May 12, 2024, Israeli PM Netanyahu provides a claim that 14,000 Hamas fighters had thus far been eliminated. A subsequent US intelligence report estimated that only 30-35% of the initial combat strength of Hamas was destroyed.
• [H] By June 8, 2024, the IDF claimed that the Khalid bin al-Walid (Yabna) Battalion of the Rafah Brigade had sustained the most damage during the Rafah operation thus far. Also, the IDF was at this point, engaged against the Deir al-Balah Battalion in central Gaza.
• [I] By June 19, 2024, the IDF reported that the Khalid bin al-Walid (Yabna) and Eastern Battalions of the Rafah Brigade were all but dismantled, with the Tel Sultan and Shaboura being degraded. Their justification and criteria for “dismantling” is reported to be the destruction of all infrastructure and tunnels associated with a Battalion in its geographic territory. However, the personnel are not included in these assessments. Approximately 550 fighters are reported killed in Rafah by this time. The IDF also acknowledges that while the Rafah Brigade was the least significant, it was reinforced by personnel fleeing from the other supposedly dismantled Battalions to the north. This again demonstrates the fluidity of the personnel across the Battalions during the invasion. As prior, Israeli officials commented on Rafah fighters fleeing north, while now discussing northern fighters reinforcing the south.
• [J] By June 23, 2024, the IDF was engaged in destroying the Tel Sultan Battalion’s Abu Said training compound and had raided the offices of some of its senior leaders, to include its commander Mahmud Hamdan, and its aerial array commander Yasir Natat.
• [K] By June 27, 2024, the IDF was reengaging the Shujaiya district of Gaza City, despite having previously cleared the location, and declaring the Shujaiya Battalion HQ dismantled on December 15, 2023.
• [L] By July 16, 2024, the IDF expresses increasing confidence that Mohamed Deif may have been killed in the July 13 airstrike on Khan Younis. Additionally, they reiterate that up to half of the senior Izzaldin al-Qassam Brigades leaders have been assassinated. An IDF graphic from this day displays that Marwan Issa, Deif’s deputy has been killed, along with Rafah Salameh, Ayman Nofal, and Ahmed Ghandour, commanders of the Khan Younis, Central Camps, and Northern Brigades respectively. However, Deif himself and Mohamed Shabana, commander of the Rafah Brigade are not confirmed killed, despite suspicions that they may have been eliminated previously. The same is true of Raad Saad, described on the graphic as Commander of Production, but not confirmed as deceased. Notably, Izzaldin al-Haddad, commander of the Gaza City Brigade is believed to be alive and active, as well as Mohamed Odeh, commander of Intelligence, and Mohamed Sinwar, Commander of Operations and the Southern Division paramilitary commander. Ayman Siam, commander of Artillery (rockets, mortars, etc) is also reiterated as eliminated, along with Ghazi Abu Tamaa, commander of Administration, and Raad Thabet, commander of manpower and recruitment. These give an indication as to whom the IDF regards as the most vital casualties amongst Hamas thus far.
• [M] *A note on the Khan Younis Brigade leadership: An IDF bulletin describes Rafah Salameh as having assumed leadership of the Brigade from Mohamed Sinwar in 2016. However, Nour Baraka was described as the Brigade Commander in 2018, after being assassinated in a botched IDF raid into Gaza in November of that year. It appears that Salameh was actually the Battalion commander of the Qarara Battalion in 2016. He must then have became the commander of the entire Brigade after Baraka was slain.
• [N] Separately, by July 18, 2024, Hezbollah acknowledged 368 of its fighters, operatives, and officers killed in IDF strikes and actions in and around the Lebanese border, plus 67 fighters such as Mohamed Jabarah from Palestinian based networks such as Hamas. The Construction Bureau of Hamas is reportedly responsible for manufacturing and establishing militant infrastructure in southern Lebanon for the group, to include projectiles and their launchers.
• [O] By July 22, the IDF was re-engaging forces in Khan Younis after previously conducting airstrikes and ordering evacuations commencing on July 2. After an approximately week-long sweep, the IDF withdrew on July 30.
• [P] By July 30, after days of speculation, Mohamed Deif was confirmed killed, just hours after the successful assassination of Ismail Haniyeh while in Iran. Haniyeh was allegedly killed after the Mossad paid IRGC security members to plant the devices in his guest residence in Tehran, initially meant for his visit during the funeral for the President of Iran. Instead, the devices were utilized during his stay for the inauguration of the new President. Deif was assassinated after a courier was captured delivering hand-written messages between Deif and Rafah Brigade commander Mohamed Shabana. Three different attemps were subsequently conducted against Shabana, plus the successful operation against Deif as he met with Rafah Salameh. There is no confirmation of a successful assassination of Shabana, but his usage of couriers seems to preclude his potential death from May 2024.
• [Q] The IDF refers to the Sheikh Radwan Battalion as the al-Furqan Battalion after the coastal neighborhood in Gaza City in which it is based. Jabir Aziz had commanded the Battalion since 2020. Previously he occupied positions as the deputy Battalion commander and also the commander of the Zaitun Battalion in the Gaza City Brigade. Other significant sources stated that the bombings of the two schools resulted in civilian casualties and that the locations were serving as refuge for the displaced.
• [R] An expansive analysis by CNN and the Institute for the Study of War released on Aug 5, delves into the status and potentially reconstitution of the various Hamas Battalions. The analysis declares that only three Battalions are completely destroyed and labeled as “combat ineffective.” These are the Bait Hanoun and Imad Aqil Battalions of the North Gaza Brigade, and the Eastern Battalion of the Rafah Brigade. An additional thirteen Battalions are considered degraded. They are the Bait Lahia, al-Khalifa al-Rashidun, Suhail Ziadah, and Jabaliya al-Balad (Abdulrauf Nabhan) Battalions of the North Gaza Brigade; the Shaikh Radwan (al-Furqan), Shati, and Daraj-Tuffah Battalions of the Gaza City Brigade; the Maghazi and Bureij Battalions of the Central Camps Brigade; the West, East, and North Khan Younis Battalions of the Khan Younis Brigade; and the Khalid bin al-Walid (Yabna) Battalion of the Rafah Brigade. The remaining eight Battalions are assessed as “combat effective,” and are the Shujaiya, Zaitun, and Sabra Tel al-Hawa Battalions of the Gaza City Brigade; the Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat Battalions of the Central Camps Brigade; the South Khan Younis Battalion of the Khan Younis Brigade; and the Shaboura and Tel Sultan Battalions of the Rafah Brigade. ***There is some ambiguity on the Qarara Battalion of the Khan Younis Brigade and it may be conflated or combined with the North Khan Younis Battalion as degraded in this reporting. This allows for 24 Battalions to be reported considering the late addition of the Tel Sultan Battalion in the reporting of the Rafah Brigade. However, our count holds 25 total Battalions from all reporting, the original 24 named and the Tel Sultan named later as the 25th***
• [S] By August 21, the IDF via Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that the Rafah Brigade was defeated, with an estimated 900 fighters killed and 150 tunnels destroyed in the sector.
• [T] By September 12, the IDF claimed 2,308 Rafah Brigade operatives were slain in battle, and that the four Battatlions that comprise it were destroyed. By September 19, far-right Israeli politicians expressed skepticism over this claim of victory.
• [U] By October 5, 2024, the IDF commenced beseiging Jabaliya in northern Gaza, aiming to eliminate further militants elements within. With this maneuver were several airstrikes targeting supposed command and control centers for the militants. However, often these locations were schools or compounds with concentrations of civilians. As but one example, on Oct 17, the Abu Hussein school was decimated resulting in 28 killed to include medical personnel and children.
• [V] By October 19, 2024, the assassination of Sinwar and the knowledge that his protector was Tel Sultan Battalion commander Mahmud Hamdan brought about a round of questions pertaining to the whereabouts of the Rafah Brigade commander Mohamed Shabana. Almost immediately after Sinwar’s assassination, vague and unsubstatiated reports emerged declaring that Shabana was in fact deceased, although they were unconfirmed.
• [W] By October 25, 2024, Hamas confirmed leadership was assumed by a quinquevirate, based in Doha Qatar. This Council consists of current Gaza political leader Khalil al-Hayya, West Bank leader Zaher Jabarin, Palestinian diaspora leader Khalid Meshaal, chair of the Hamas Shura Council Mohamed Ismail Darwish, and the unidentified Politburo Secretary. Darwish was said to have ascended to the apex of the religious Shura council after the assassination of Osama Mazini on Oct 17, 2023, shortly after the commencement of the current war. Similarly, Jabarin took over responsibilities of the West Bank after Saleh al-Arouri’s assassination in January 2024. Hayya himself was the Politburo deputy chairman, second to Haniyeh, and thus assumed his role after Arouri’s death also. Simultaneously, Hayya was second in Gaza to Yahya Sinwar, whose death precipitated the former’s ascension to his role as chief in the territory.
• [X] Notorious paramilitary spokesperson Abu Ubaidah is still operational a year on from the onslaught that initiated the current war. During October 2024, Abu Ubaidah addressed the Oct 7 anniversary, Israeli hostages, and the loss of varous Hamas leaders. The IDF has identified him as Huzaifah Samir Abdullah al-Kahlot. Remarkably, he managed to remain alive and able to transmit communications during the course of the first year of catastrophic warfare.
• [Y] According to reports, Sinwar in August issued commands to Zaher Jabarin to initiate the resumption of Hamas suicide operations, utilizing personnel from the West Bank, or “Judea and Samaria” region of responsibility. This accounts for the August 18 failed suicide bombing in Tel Aviv during which Hamas sleeper agent Jaafar Mana accidentally detonated his device before he could strike his intended target, a gathering at a synagogue, and thus killed only himself. By September 18, a video will was released, proving that Hamas was preparing to commence a suicide campaign. It is unclear if the Awfi-Odeh-Malah crew is involved in such attacks and makes sense that Jabarin would have multiple networks striving for this goal. It is also unclear if such a campaign could successfully commence given the extensive IDF and Shin Bet presence in the West Bank, security barriers, and opposing political beliefs among Palestinians in the enclave.
• [Z] Of note, the Imad Aqil Battalion was previously declared combat ineffective on Aug 5 by independent observers. Given that the militant commanders and their men were killed in Bait Lahia, it is inferred that the belligerents displaced to another location and possibly another Battalion. The Bait Lahia Battalion was assessed as merely degraded at the time of the Aug 5 report.
• [AA] By December 14, 2024, the IDF estimated they had killed an additional 2,000 militants in “clearance” operations in and around Bait Lahia and Jabaliya in northern Gaza, with several airstrikes aimed at schools that they claimed were being used as paramilitary command and control centers. The IDF also seemed to begin focusing more on dismantling the paramilitary capabilities of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in addition to Hamas.
• [BB] By January 13, 2025, it was reported that Mohamed Sinwar was conducting operations and decisions independent of Hamas political oversight abroad, laboring to rejuvenate and refurbish the organization, in control of central Gaza, while delegating paramilitary control in the north to surviving Gaza City Brigade commander Izzaldin al-Haddad. Presumably the south fell to Rafah Brigade commander Mohamed Shabana. The paramilitary infrastructure appeared decentralized. Meanwhile, a ceasefire and prisoner exchange seemed imminent after progressing negotiations. However, by January 15, Mohamed Sinwar had agreed to conditions of the ceasefire with the surviving Politburo, with the Israelis and the politicians of Hamas arriving at the agreement on January 15. The ceasefire and exchange began January 19. By Jan 25, the IDF was threatening Palestinian civilian movement due to supposed breaches in the ceasefire, but hostage exchanges continued. Sinwar was later said on January 25, to have recruited up to 15,000 inexperienced, new, green militant replacements.
• [CC] By January 27, 2025, Israeli forces had expanded an Operation Iron Wall to Tulkarem, which began when the IDF engaged within Jenin, West Bank, for seven days, against a collective of operatives from Hamas, PIJ, and al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade working in conjunction
• [DD] By March 18, 2025, Israeli forces shattered the weeks-long ceasefire (beginning January 19, 2025) with Operation Might and Sword, reportedly launching dozens of strikes against Hamas paramilitary positions, weaponry, and operatives as retribution for the militant organization failing to release all remaining hostages. By most accounts, at least 404 Palestinians were killed, including civilians and children. Middle ranking commanders and politburo members appeared to have been the primary targets, with several dying alongside of their families. Subsequent attacks targeted some paramilitary commanders, but seem to retain focus on destabilizing any political infrastructure. IDF ground force activities resumed by March 22, with the Israeli government threatening to annex portions of the embattled enclave. By March 23, the grim milestone of an estimated 50,000 Palestinian deaths in the war was reached.
• [EE] A stunning report in May 2025 reveals that only an approximate number of 8,900 known Hamas and PIJ operatives had been killed among the estimated 53,000 deceased Palestinians from the ongoing war. This was based on an internal Israeli database which listed 47,653 known combatants in the militant organizations. Thus, only 17% of those killed were in fact known belligerents.
• [FF] By June 12, it was acknowledged that the new leader of Hamas in Gaza was former Gaza City Brigade commander Izzaldin al-Haddad, now known as the “Ghost of al-Qassam,” due to his ability to avoid or survive numerous assassination attempts.
• [GG] Between mid-May and early August, the IDF conducted what it named “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” aimed at decimating the remaining Hamas paramilitary infrastructure, rescuing remaining hostages, and conquering territory. However, the ambitions of the offensive were not achieved. Hamas responded with what it called “Operation Stones of David,” consisting of ambushes and bombings against the occupying IDF.
• [HH] By August 8, 2025 the Israeli cabinet approved a plan to completely conquer Gaza City, with similar goals to the above military offensive, plus the replacement of Hamas as a governing entity. By late August a severe bombardment campaign was commenced in preparation of intensive ground incursions into Gaza City. At this point it was estimated over 62,000 Palestinians had been killed during the war.
• [II] By September 9, 2025 the IDF engaged in an unprecedented and reckless strike, targeting a Qatari governmental residential site in Doha in which Hamas leadership dwelled. The attack was meant to assassinate the known members of the Hamas quinquevirate: Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, Khalid Meshaal, and Ismail Darwish. It appears to have failed in its objective and instead precipitated international condemnation. Ostensibly, the Doha strike was in retaliation for the Ramot Junction shooting in Jerusalem of the day prior, September 8, in which two Hamas militants opened fire at a bus stop, killed 6 civilians. The assailants Mohamed Bassam Taha and Muthanna Naji Amro hailed from the West Bank and were killed in a return volley from armed civilians. The IDF claims that the paramilitary command structure of Hamas has been demolished, yet insinuates that the origins of the attack came from the negotiators and overall leadership in Qatar. It seems more likely that the Qatari faction remains focused on survival and a ceasefire, while independent cells may be operating without a command structure. The strike may be viewed as a method to imperil the ceasefire negotiations or to ensure their failure.