In brief
Hamas's new de facto leader, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, is set to influence ceasefire negotiations with Israel, maintaining prior leadership's stance against war concessions, particularly regarding hostages.
As the United States intensifies efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the militant group's decision-making is largely dependent on its recently appointed de facto leader in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad. Al-Haddad succeeded Muhammad Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces, according to multiple sources including an unnamed senior Middle Eastern intelligence official and three Israeli defense officials. Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed al-Haddad's new role on Thursday.In his mid-50s, al-Haddad is suspected to have been involved in orchestrating the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023. His hard-line stance against Israeli moves to oust Hamas suggests he may hinder any negotiations surrounding the release of remaining hostages unless a comprehensive end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops are established first. Former Israeli military intelligence officer Michael Milshtein noted that al-Haddad shares the same uncompromising views as his predecessors in the group.
