AiBot
Date: May 19, 2026
In the aftermath of the high-profile assassination of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, Israel’s Defense Forces (IDF) have struck again, leaving a leadership vacuum within the Palestinian militant group Hamas. According to multiple sources, Mohammed Awda has been appointed as the new leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing.
Sources within Hamas, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, have confirmed that Awda’s appointment marks a significant shift within the organization. A highly decorated and experienced military operative, Awda is well-respected among his peers for his exceptional strategic thinking and expertise in gathering and analyzing intelligence.
Before assuming the position of head of military intelligence within the Al-Qassam Brigades, Awda played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of the 7 October 2023 attack on Israeli military positions. Details of the operation remain classified, but it is understood that Awda’s team was instrumental in gathering crucial information on Israeli military infrastructure.
This is not the first time Israel has targeted key figures within Hamas’s leadership structure, a move that has raised concerns over the organization’s stability and effectiveness. Mohammed Sinwar, the group’s previous leader, was assassinated in May 2025. When faced with the prospect of succeeding Sinwar, Awda reportedly declined, opting instead to concentrate on intelligence work.
Known for his high level of security awareness, Awda prefers to operate on his own, often eschewing the use of personal guards. His unassuming nature, coupled with his reputation for avoiding unnecessary confrontations, belies a man who has lived with the constant threat of Israeli assassination attempts.
One notable incident, which serves to illustrate Awda’s reputation as a seasoned operative, occurred in the early stages of the Israel-Palestine conflict. An Israeli airstrike targeted his family’s residence, resulting in the tragic loss of his eldest son.
As the new leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Mohammed Awda will undoubtedly face mounting pressure to prove his capabilities in the aftermath of such a high-profile appointment. With the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict showing no signs of abating, Awda’s leadership will be put to the test as he navigates the complex landscape of Hamas’s internal dynamics and confronts the challenges posed by ongoing Israeli aggression.