Izz al-Din al-Haddad: Hamas’ ‘Ghost’ Commander Faces New Realities in Gaza’s Longest War

Since the eruption of the October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel, Izz al-Din al-Haddad has emerged from the shadows to become one of the most significant and enigmatic figures in Gaza. Joining Hamas at its inception in 1987, al-Haddad—known among Israeli intelligence as “the ghost”—has now taken command of a battered Hamas after years of conflict and relentless Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations.


From Founding Member to Shadow Commander

Al-Haddad’s militant career spans nearly four decades, intertwined with the rise of Hamas as a dominant force in Gaza’s political and military landscape. Israel’s Major General Yaakov Amidror, a former national security adviser, once described him as, “one of the more capable commanders”, within Hamas, highlighting his operational skill and tenacity.

His nickname, “the ghost,” reflects not only his ability to evade capture and detection but also his reputation for directing gruesome attacks from the shadows. During the devastating October 7th assault, which triggered renewed and unabated Israeli military retaliation, al-Haddad supervised some of the worst massacres. Now, as the presumed top commander in Gaza, he wields influence over a terror group deeply weakened but fiercely determined.


Leading a Fractured and Deadly Guerrilla Force

The original, structured terror army that made the border crossing into Israel in 2023 has been decimated. What remains under al-Haddad’s command resembles a guerrilla insurgency rather than a formal fighting force. Small, nimble units operate independently from concealed positions within rubble-strewn neighbourhoods, armed with light weapons and explosives, employing hit-and-run tactics.

Nonetheless, Hamas still controls dozens of hostages, using them as critical leverage in their struggle, with analysts suggesting that at least a dozen remain alive. These hostages’ fate now rests heavily in al-Haddad’s hands, consolidating his status as a pivotal figure whose decisions could shape not only the terror group’s survival but also the broader humanitarian and political implications for Gaza.

Personal Loss and Escalating Fanaticism

Al-Haddad’s resolve appears hardened by personal tragedy; he has lost two sons to Israeli military operations in the past two years. Intelligence analysts interpret these losses as factors driving him toward an even more uncompromising stance, placing him at the forefront of Islamist fanaticism within Hamas.

Yet, his notorious caution endures. Unlike some fervent commanders eager for media attention, al-Haddad has maintained a low profile. This changed recently when the IDF and Israeli internal security agency Shin Bet disseminated leaflets in Gaza featuring his photograph surrounded by crosshairs—a psychological tactic aimed at undermining his leadership and encouraging betrayal from within Hamas ranks.


Facing the IDF and Internal Challenges

The military landscape in Gaza continues to evolve. In early June 2025, the IDF notably intensified operations in Khan Younis, unearthing caches of rocket parts and munitions that feed the ongoing conflict. Simultaneous activity has been reported around Gaza City’s suburbs, including Jabalia, a historic Hamas stronghold known for its labyrinthine tunnel networks critical to maneuvering and supply routes.

Amid this military pressure, al-Haddad confronts a deteriorating humanitarian crisis. The civilian population’s desperation is escalating, with hunger and deprivation often surpassing fear as motivators for public sentiment. Months of aid blockades have drained Gaza’s resources, complicating efforts to maintain control over a population increasingly alienated from Hamas.


The Multifaceted Gaza Battlefield

Although Hamas has held sway over Gaza since 2007, it has never been the sole authority. The Strip is fractured by competing Islamist factions vying for dominance, often motivated by broader ideological visions for an Islamic empire. In this chaotic environment, pro-Israeli militias have started exploiting the vacuum to seize humanitarian aid, potentially undermining Hamas’s hold on power.

Strategic analysts warn that if these groups—tangentially aligned with Israeli interests—prove more effective at sustaining the population or gaining support, Hamas's grip could weaken further, hastening the group’s decline during this protracted conflict.

In conclusion, Izz al-Din al-Haddad remains a shadowy yet formidable figure at the heart of Gaza’s ongoing turmoil. Marked by deep personal loss and hardened by decades of conflict, he now carries the heavy burden of Hamas’s survival and the complex fate of Gaza—a region caught between war, despair, and contested futures.