Hamas Officials Doubt Report of Assassination Attempt on Senior Leader

Three Hamas sources in Gaza expressed doubt to the Saudi newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat" regarding reports of an assassination attempt on senior official Ali al-A'amoudi. One source estimated that al-A'amoudi was present at the attack site but likely survived. Two other sources suggested the strike may have targeted an individual from a different terror organization. They also noted that communication difficulties with many Hamas leaders make it hard to obtain definitive answers. Amidst concerns, Hamas internal security is reportedly instructing operatives to avoid using phones and adhere to strict security protocols due to fears of targeted killings.

The IDF reportedly attempted to assassinate al-A'amoudi, who serves as the de facto head of Hamas's political bureau in the Gaza Strip, on Saturday. The outcome of the attempt was unconfirmed at the time of reporting. Palestinian sources indicated that the IDF struck an apartment in a building in western Gaza City overnight Friday to Saturday, resulting in the deaths of at least four women and one man, with several others injured. Among the deceased were Dr. Yasmin al-Bubu, head of a university department; Mesia Abu Daoud, a Christian mother; her daughter Mary; and a young man named Bilal Oudeh.

Before the current war, al-A'amoudi was the head of communication for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and is a former prisoner released in the Shalit deal. He was serving multiple life sentences for terrorist activities, including involvement in the murder of a Shin Bet agent in the 1990s. During his imprisonment, he became a close associate of Sinwar. He maintained close ties with the current Hamas leader, Khalil al-Haya, Sinwar's former deputy.

Al-A'amoudi assumed his current role due to the elimination of most of the political bureau members in Gaza and the departure of others abroad before the war. Hamas appointed interim leaders, including al-A'amoudi and Tawfiq Abu Na'im, to manage civilian, economic, and political affairs. In this capacity, al-A'amoudi liaised with the Hamas military wing, which had seen three brigade commanders involved in planning the October 7th massacre and holding hostages eliminated in September.

According to Arab reports, al-A'amoudi recently competed internally for his current position against another senior official, Nizar Awadallah, who is currently abroad. The election between them was inconclusive, with a second round reportedly planned. Awadallah previously ran against Sinwar for the same role, lost, and subsequently left Gaza. During the war, Awadallah served as one of five members of Hamas's leadership council. If al-A'amoudi is confirmed dead, Awadallah would likely succeed him.