Israel Hunts Hamas Figures as Gaza Killings Continue

Israel targeted Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem in a drone strike on Thursday, but the senior figure survived the attack that killed his escort. Several Israeli media outlets reported Qassem was seriously wounded, citing local sources. However, informed Hamas sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Qassem was unharmed, having left his vehicle minutes before the strike.

Israel has not commented on the incident. The attempt occurred days after Qassem announced the dissolution of Hamas's governing body in Gaza. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed the move as misleading, stating Hamas still refused to disarm.

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The attack showed Israel was expanding its target list and seeking to eliminate anyone who emerged as a public symbol of the movement.

Qassem, 46, is a visible Hamas figure in Gaza, frequently appearing in interviews and news conferences. His public statements, particularly regarding negotiations, have sometimes diverged from those of Hamas leaders based abroad, drawing internal and external criticism. Hamas views the attack as evidence of Israel's expanding target list, aiming to eliminate any public symbol of the movement across various spheres.

This incident follows previous Israeli strikes on Hamas spokesmen, including Abdel Latif al-Qanou, who was killed in March 2025. Hamas sources indicate Qassem has become a key political figure in Gaza following the deaths of many senior leaders, emerging as the movement's most visible media representative. He also participates in internal Hamas decision-making processes.

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Hamas still refused to disarm.