Hamas has confirmed that its senior commander, Ahmed Al-Ghandour, and three other leaders were killed during Israel’s offensive against the militant group in Gaza. The Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, released a statement announcing the deaths. The statement also named Ayman Siyyam, who was reportedly in charge of the rocket-firing units, among the deceased. The group vowed to continue their path and referred to their blood as a light for the fighters and a fire for the occupiers.
Ahmed Al-Ghandour, also known as Abu Anas, was designated as a global terrorist by the United States in 2017. The US State Department described him as a former member of Hamas’ Shura council and political bureau. He was involved in various terrorist operations, including a 2006 attack on an Israeli military outpost at the Kerem Shalom border crossing, which resulted in the death of two Israeli soldiers and the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit. Shalit was held captive by Hamas for five years before being released in a prisoner exchange.
In response to the attack, Israel launched a bombing and land campaign against Hamas. According to Gaza’s Hamas-led government, the campaign has resulted in the deaths of nearly 15,000 people, mostly civilians. As part of a pause deal, Hamas has already returned 26 Israeli hostages in two batches, with 78 Palestinian prisoners released from Israeli detention in exchange.
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