"Last Hamas Commander" ready to fight in Gaza City

[Twiglets1]

JNS report:
As the IDF intensified “Operation Gideon’s Chariots II” on Tuesday, Ezz el-Din al-Haddad, Hamas’s current military commander, is reportedly holed up underground in Gaza City along with thousands of other terrorists.

At the start of the war, al-Haddad commanded the Gaza City Brigade, overseeing six battalions—roughly 6,000 fighters—and was part of the decision-making circle behind the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre.

Since the targeted killing of Hamas military leader Mohammed Sinwar in May, al-Haddad is now considered the head of Hamas’s military wing. At his side are Ra’ed Sa’ad and Mohammed Awda, heads of the terrorist group’s production and intelligence units. Al-Haddad is said to be responsible for key decisions regarding both the war and the hostage situation.

In a January interview with Arab media, al-Haddad addressed whether Iran and Hezbollah had prior knowledge of the Oct. 7 attacks.

“Given the large scale and anticipated consequences of the attack, the brothers in the axis of resistance were updated on the general picture. But we kept the timing of the zero hour to the narrowest possible circle to ensure the attack’s success,” he said.

www.jns.org/last-hamas-commander-said-to-be-dug-in-in-gaza-city-ahead-of-idf-assault/

From the same article:

Last week, the Saudi-owned, London-based Asharq Al-Awsat news site reported that al-Haddad had ordered his fighters not to leave Gaza City and to prepare for “a fierce battle that could last for months.”

According to the internal message sent to the brigade’s field commanders and active members and seen by the outlet, al-Haddad wrote that he would be “the first fighter” and would be at the “front lines” during the battle.

In the letter, he warned that all available forces and capabilities would be mobilized to deliver “severe blows” to Israeli forces, stressing the need for fighters to remain in Gaza City.

According to the report, Hamas is coordinating with Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terror factions. A similar letter to that of al-Haddad’s was reportedly sent by Hamas’s Northern Brigade commander, Mohammed Oudeh, urging Al-Qassam members who are residents of northern Gaza, as well as those displaced in Gaza City, to join the fight.

No sign of surrender then.

Netanyahu is levelling Gaza city as a further bid to ethically cleanse Gaza.

The total destruction of Hamas is considered impossible, according to our military analyst Sean Bell.
Nonetheless, Israel is today pursuing a ground offensive into Gaza City, which it describes as a Hamas stronghold.
Around a million Palestinians are believed to live in the city and surrounding areas, with Israel urging them to evacuate to already-overcrowded areas far in the south of the territory.
"Even if you level Gaza City, there's no guarantee that actually Hamas will be there," Bell says, referring to an extensive tunnel network under Gaza.
"So I do think this is back to: what is it that Netanyahu is actually trying to achieve?"
At face value, he added, it's looking "more and more likely" that the aim is to clear Palestinians out of not only the Gaza, but also the West Bank.

No it does not seem that Hamas have any intention of surrendering based on Al-Haddad ordering his fighters to prepare for “a fierce battle that could last for months” in Gaza City.

What will Gaza city look like in several months time? No buildings left, all infrastructure destroyed including underground tunnels.

Hamas don't care, don't even care if they get killed due to their death cult.

Or destroy Hamas, depending on your point of view.

From The Telegraph:

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the number of soldiers involved in the offensive would rise in the coming days, to confront up to 3,000 terrorists the IDF believes are still in the city. This remaining Hamas brigade includes child militants, aged 14 to 16, who were recently trained in guerrilla operations, the military said.

Some witnesses claimed to see tanks operating in al-Jalaa street, in the centre of the city, prompting thousands of civilians to flee frantically.

“Gaza is burning,” Israel Katz, the country’s defence minister, declared earlier on Tuesday. Health officials in the Strip reported at least 40 people killed in the assault’s early hours, as air strikes swept across the city.

Mr Netanyahu has said the invasion of the city, described by Israel as Hamas’s last stronghold, is critical to defeating the terror group and securing the release of the remaining hostages.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/16/israel-gaza-city-hamas-war2/

Does Hamas actually want Gaza completely, utterly leveled and Palestinians forced out to God Knows Where so that Trump and Co can build their med fantasy? It's like they actively hope for the worst possible outcome for their people. I cant understand it. Its unfathomable.

I think I'm going to have to stop watching.

From the same source:

Donald Trump has said he “doesn’t know too much” about the ground offensive Israel has launched in Gaza City.

“We’ll have to see,” the US president told reporters outside the White House before he travelled to the UK for a state visit.

His desire not to comment came just hours after Israeli troops and tanks entered the Strip’s largest city after a heavy overnight bombardment.

Mr Trump also warned Hamas that it would be in “big trouble” if they use the remaining hostages as human shields amid Israel’s escalation of the conflict.

“We’ll wait to hear what happens, because I hear Hamas is trying to use the old human shield deal, and if they do that they’re going to be in big trouble.”

In big trouble for the 5th time now? Just f off Trump.

Hamas seem to have a death wish don't they, maybe linked to the idea of martyrdom.

From Trump's ominous mention of Hamas being in "big trouble" it appears to me like the US would get directly involved in destroying Hamas if they use the hostages as human shields.

None of this bodes well for the people of Gaza.

Or his words could be meaningless ... wouldn't be the first time as you note.

He keeps threatening Hamas, theyre not listening.

I can't believe this is still going on.

Im ok with Hamas death wish for themselves, but they are sacrificing Gaza, so many of their own people, jeopardizing tje chance for a future Palestinian state, all for what?

Its horrific.

It's very very hard to understand the mentality.

How long will you all continue defending Israel? When even Israeli human rights groups have said that Israel is carrying out war crimes?

https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/israeli-civil-rights-groups-say-gaza-city-evacuation-orders-constitute-war-crimes/

Its Netanyahu that doesn't want a deal. Isn't it obvious to you all yet? He wants to ethnically cleanse Gaza.

How do you know he doesn't want a deal? Hamas has not agreed to his demands re disarming and leaving Gaza.

If they did agree to release the hostages, disarm and leave Gaza and he carried on anyway - then you could conclude that he doesn't want a deal.

You carry on believing what you want. Even Israeli media are reporting that Netanyahu has continuously sabotaged ceasefire deals many times.

Have I missed the one where Hamas agreed to release the hostages, disarm and leave Gaza?

Don't you think they need to?

I missed that too. @Kakeandkake could you send a link?

And Hamas are saying they'll continue to fight regardless.

Why do you always leave out that bit?

I don’t think Netanyahu is concerned about the hostages.

IDF Chief Takes Rare Stance as Netanyahu's Promised Quick Win in Gaza City Falters
Israel's prime minister can't explain how he'll win the Gaza campaign while keeping hostages safe, for the simple reason that he has no plan to do so. Meanwhile, the IDF chief of staff, who opposes the Gaza City operation, is slowing down the military campaign to reduce risks.

(Haaretz)

That's your personal opinion not fact.

In a way I share the same opinion. My opinion is that he did care passionately about them at the beginning of the conflict and wanted to get back as many as he could safe and alive while also following his dual goal of destroying Hamas.

By this point I'm guessing Netanyahu has somewhat given up on the idea of achieving all his goals. He is prioritising destroying Hamas over the safety of the remaining hostages. He can't state it but I think he is taking a wider view now re the safety of other Israelis who could face potential attacks & kidnappings in future if he doesn't destroy Hamas now he has this opportunity.

I am hardly the only person with this opinion! Have you not seen the demonstrations in Israel? Why do you think the head of the IDF is trying to hold back from Netanyahu’s plans?