AMU Homeland Security Intelligence Opinion Terrorism

Hamas Loses Three Military Commanders

By William Tucker
Chief Correspondent for In Homeland Security

Hamas has confirmed that three senior military commanders have been killed as a result of an Israeli airstrike. Hostilities between Hamas in Gaza and Israel resumed recently as a ceasefire expired. For Hamas, these casualties represent the highest ranking individuals killed in the most recent conflict between the two neighboring belligerents. Hamas also stated that Mohammed Deif, the military head of the militant organization, was also targeted by the Israelis; however he survived the attack. The commander’s confirmed as casualties by Hamas include, Raed al-Attar, the most senior Hamas commander in the south; Mohammed Abu Shamala, commander of Rafah operations; and Mohammed Barhoum, another local military leader. Israel has stated that Hamas leaders are legitimate military targets and will continue to be marked men, but though this statement is recent it is simply a continuance of a long term Israeli policy.

Israel has targeted the leadership of Hamas in the past with varying degrees of success, but if the current hostilities drag on for much longer it is highly likely that these recent casualties will not be the last. Shin Bet has supplier good intelligence on the locations of Hamas’ leadership in Gaza, but has struggled to in some areas of collection such as the extensive tunnel network leading into Israeli territory. Though Hamas has shown resilience in surviving leadership loss, it has only done so when losing commanders one or two at a time. Furthermore, Amnesty International recently stated that the bulk of Palestinian casualties resulting from these recent hostilities are largely young men of military age. Losing a number of leaders in one airstrike coupled with the loss of capable, experienced fighters could help to weaken Hamas in the long term and ultimately strengthen their rivals in the Palestinian Authority. Whether or not this scenario is the aim of Israeli goals, it is certainly plausible and may help explain why protests and violence emanating from the West Bank has largely been kept in check. Israel isn’t the only entity with something to gain by weakening Hamas.

William Tucker serves as a senior security representative to a major government contractor where he acts as the Counterintelligence Officer, advises on counterterrorism issues, and prepares personnel for overseas travel. His additional duties include advising his superiors in matters concerning emergency management and business continuity planning.

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