Saudi Report: Hamas Successor to Sinwar Injured in Gaza Strike

A senior Hamas official revealed to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that Ali al-A'amouri, considered the successor to Yahya Sinwar and the de facto head of Hamas's political bureau in Gaza, survived an Israeli strike targeting him in western Gaza City approximately two weeks ago. The official stated that al-A'amouri sustained moderate injuries, including fractures to his limbs, and is currently in stable health and in a secure location.

The strike reportedly killed five Palestinians, while al-A'amouri was in a side section of the targeted residential apartment and thus survived. This marks the first time Hamas has acknowledged al-A'amouri's presence in the targeted apartment. Al-A'amouri, who spent 20 years in Israeli prison before being released in the Gilad Shalit deal, is described as the current strongman in Hamas's Gaza leadership. He was previously a senior aide to Sinwar and headed the organization's information division.

Following Sinwar's elimination, al-A'amouri has effectively taken over leadership of Hamas in the Strip, overseeing the political wing and expanding his influence into the military apparatus. Israeli intelligence suggests al-A'amouri orchestrated Hamas's deception strategy, which presented a false image of the organization disarming and transferred Hamas's civilian governance to a technocratic committee led by Nicolai Mladenov.

Al-A'amouri's rise is attributed to the elimination of other senior figures and the need to fill leadership voids. His close relationship with Sinwar was forged in Israeli prisons, and he remained a trusted confidant after their release in 2011. Recent reports indicate al-A'amouri is vying with Nizar Awadallah for the official leadership of Hamas's political bureau in Gaza, a contest that has faced internal disputes and procedural challenges.