Hamas sources told Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that they doubt the overnight assassination attempt on Ali al-Ammoudi, the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza, succeeded, according to Israeli media. Five people were reported killed in the strike in Gaza City, with only one identified as male: Bilal Oudeh, the young son of Muhammad Oudeh, who had replaced Izz al-Din al-Haddad — the Hamas military wing commander eliminated last May.
The Israeli strike on Saturday morning in Gaza City, targeting Hamas deputy political bureau chief Ali al-Ammoudi, has left the terror group's leadership in uncertainty.
Hamas sources cited by the Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat and reported by Israeli media on Saturday afternoon cast doubt on whether the operation to eliminate al-Ammoudi succeeded. One source assessed that al-Ammoudi was present at the location but may have survived. Another source said it was too early to determine definitively, but considered it "more likely" that he was not there.
Gaza-based reports counted five fatalities from the strike, of whom only one adult male was identified: Bilal Oudeh, the young son of Muhammad Oudeh. Muhammad Oudeh had served as the replacement for Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the former commander of Hamas's military wing, who was eliminated in May. The report noted that the identification was provisional due to security conditions and the difficulty of contacting senior operatives who are actively evading Israeli targeting.
Israeli authorities have not officially confirmed the outcome of the strike. The operation is part of a continued effort to dismantle Hamas's surviving command structure in Gaza, as The Zioneer has previously reported.
7 developments
- StrongDeath toll in Gaza City strike rises to 5, including a girl – Palestinian sources
- StrongHamas confirms elimination of senior commander Ahmad al-Batsh in northern Gaza
- DevelopingOvernight: IDF strike in Gaza City reportedly eliminates Hamas Nukhba commander, son of senior figure
- StrongTwo Hamas operatives reportedly eliminated in western Gaza City, including apparent military wing leader
Source and signal
- Open-source intake