Several figures emerge as next leaders of Hamas in Gaza, but who will end up leading? - analysis

Hamas in Gaza is facing a leadership crisis after Israel eliminated its latest leader, Mohammed Odeh, on May 26, just two weeks after killing his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad. This leaves the militant group seemingly without a leader in Gaza, according to IDF statements.

Despite this significant blow, Israel has not strategically exploited the power vacuum to remove Hamas from Gaza. Instead, the group retains control over approximately 40% of the territory, allowing it to regroup and select new leadership. This situation has drawn regional media attention to potential successors.

Hamas's leadership has historically been divided between Gaza and external figures, with key members residing in Qatar and Lebanon. While some prominent external leaders have been killed in recent years, the internal leadership in Gaza has been systematically targeted by the IDF. Reports indicate that candidates for leadership are emerging primarily from the "military" wing of the organization.

According to Walla, potential candidates include "survivors of assassination attempts, brigade commanders - and a mysterious figure." These include commanders of the Northern Brigade, Khan Yunis Brigade, and Gaza Brigade, along with another "significant and experienced" individual. Asharq al-Awsat noted that Imad Aslim, deputy commander of the Gaza Brigade, was killed, while the new commander of the Northern Brigade survived an assassination attempt.