Hamas Official Reported Wounded in Israeli Strike in Gaza

Ali al-Amoudi, identified as the current Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, was wounded in an Israeli strike approximately two weeks ago, on October 3. A senior Hamas official, speaking anonymously to the London-based Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat on Saturday, October 17, confirmed that al-Amoudi, referred to as "Sinwar's successor," sustained moderate injuries. The official also confirmed al-Amoudi was in a residential apartment targeted by the strike but was in a side area, which allowed him to survive. He is reportedly recovering well and receiving treatment in a secure location.

This marks the first time a senior Hamas official has acknowledged that Israeli intelligence accurately located a targeted individual. Al-Amoudi, who previously headed Hamas's propaganda apparatus, was released in 2011 as part of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange. Over the past year, he has become a key figure in directing Hamas's operations in Gaza and is currently vying with Nizar Awadallah for leadership of the organization's political bureau in the Strip.

The Israeli strike occurred on the morning of Saturday, October 3, targeting an apartment in western Gaza City. This date was exactly three years after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack. Initial reports indicated five people were killed in the strike, including four women. At the time, Asharq Al-Awsat cited Hamas sources who doubted al-Amoudi's death, suggesting he may have been in the apartment but survived.

The attempted assassination of al-Amoudi is part of an ongoing Israeli campaign against Hamas leadership. Other targeted officials include Izz ad-Din Bih, Hamas commander in northern Gaza; Mohammed Abu Aluan, head of the organization's finance department; and Nail Abu Abid, commander of the Hamas brigade in Rafah. Two days after the strike, senior Hamas official Razi Hamad stated that al-Amoudi was alive, accusing Israel of violating a ceasefire by continuing targeted assassinations, which he claimed jeopardized the Gaza agreement. Hamad also placed responsibility on Washington to pressure Israel to cease these operations.

Al-Amoudi, born in Gaza and residing in Khan Younis, was linked to the killing of Shin Bet coordinator Noam Cohen. He was arrested in 1994 and sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in a firefight during his capture. Released in 2011 with Yahya Sinwar and nearly a thousand other Palestinian prisoners, al-Amoudi developed close ties with Sinwar in Israeli prisons, which continued after their release. He served as Sinwar's office chief during his tenure as Hamas political bureau head in Gaza from 2017 to 2021. In 2021, al-Amoudi was elected to the Hamas political bureau and appointed head of the movement's propaganda department, where he shaped its information strategy and messaging.

Following the elimination of Yahya Sinwar in October 2024 and other senior Hamas leaders during the war, al-Amoudi's influence has significantly increased. Media reports suggest he has effectively taken over the management of the Hamas political bureau in Gaza, becoming a central figure in the organization's local leadership. His name has been associated with organizational reforms and appointments, though some decisions have reportedly caused internal disagreements. Questions have also arisen within Hamas regarding the basis of al-Amoudi's expanded authority.

Currently, al-Amoudi is competing with Nizar Awadallah for the top Hamas leadership position in Gaza. The initial election round was inconclusive, and the runoff has been stalled by Awadallah's appeal regarding voting procedures. Sources indicate Khaled Meshaal and Zaher Jabarin support Awadallah, while al-Amoudi reportedly has the backing of Hamas political bureau chief. However, Asharq Al-Awsat reported that it is uncertain if al-Hayya supports either candidate. Despite his historical closeness to Sinwar and his current leadership role, al-Amoudi is not considered a military commander but primarily represents the political and organizational wing of Hamas, with his influence growing significantly after the wartime elimination of much of the movement's senior leadership.