IDF Attempted to Eliminate Hamas Leader Ali al-Amoudi in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly attempted to eliminate Ali al-Amoudi, a senior Hamas figure in Gaza, on Saturday, October 3rd. Al-Amoudi is considered a potential successor to Yahya Sinwar, the organizer of the October 7th massacre who was killed a year into the war. While al-Amoudi does not officially hold the position of Hamas leader in Gaza, he is a contender in the organization's ongoing internal elections.

Palestinian sources reported that an Israeli airstrike on a building in western Gaza City killed five people, including four women. Rescue efforts were underway to find others potentially trapped under the rubble. If confirmed as targeting al-Amoudi, this operation would be part of a broader Israeli campaign to eliminate senior Hamas officials.

Recent targeted killings include Izz ad-Din Bih, commander of Hamas's brigade in northern Gaza, on September 29th, and Mohammed Abu-Aluan, head of Hamas's financial department, the previous Wednesday. Abu-Aluan had reportedly transferred over a billion shekels to fund Hamas activities. A drone strike also eliminated Nael Abu-Abid, commander of Hamas's brigade in Rafah, over a week prior.

Intelligence indicating a potential Hamas attempt to abduct an Israeli soldier near Gaza has led to increased readiness among IDF forces in the area.

Ali al-Amoudi is a member of Hamas's political bureau, a released prisoner, and a former head of the organization's propaganda and media department. He was imprisoned by Israel in 2004 and released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, alongside Yahya Sinwar. Al-Amoudi managed Sinwar's office when Sinwar led the political bureau in Gaza from 2017 to 2021. After Sinwar's death and the elimination of other senior leaders, al-Amoudi's influence has grown, with reports suggesting he took over management of the political bureau's affairs in Gaza.

Al-Amoudi is currently competing for the top Hamas post in Gaza against Nizar Awadallah. The first round of voting did not produce a winner, and the decisive round was suspended due to an appeal filed by Awadallah. Sources indicate that Khalid Meshaal and Zaher Jabarin support Awadallah, while al-Amoudi has support from Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas's political bureau, though other reports suggest al-Hayya's support is uncertain. Al-Amoudi is considered part of Hamas's senior political-organizational leadership, not its military wing.