Title: The key figures of Hamas: between politics and armed combat
Introduction :
Hamas, an Islamist movement created in 1987, is at the heart of the news following the deadly attacks of October 7. The main figures of this movement are now the target of the Israeli authorities. Among them, we find political figures such as Ismaël Haniyeh, as well as military leaders such as Mohammed Deif. In this article, we will look at their role within Hamas and why they have become priority targets.
Ismaël Haniyeh: the political face of Hamas
Born in 1963 in the Chati refugee camp, Ismaël Haniyeh is an important media figure within Hamas. Since May 2017, he has held the position of head of the movement’s political office. Already known for having been Prime Minister of a unity government in 2006, he was dismissed by Mahmoud Abbas in 2007 after Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip. Pragmatic, he tried several times to reconcile Hamas with Fatah, but without success. His voluntary exile in 2019 led him to reside in Turkey and Qatar.
Mohammed Deif: the armed wing of Hamas
Mohammed Deif, meanwhile, is the supreme commander of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. Having joined the movement in the late 1980s, he is considered the mastermind of the October 7 attack by Israeli authorities. For more than 30 years, he has been a priority target of Israeli intelligence services. Under his command, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades grew and began using more sophisticated techniques, such as rockets and ground incursions through underground tunnels.
Israel’s motivations: terrorism and responsibilities
Israel justifies its actions by considering these key Hamas figures responsible for the terrorist attacks carried out on October 7. Mohamed Deif is suspected of having ordered numerous suicide attacks against Israeli civilians in the 1990s and early 2000s. For his part, Ismaël Haniyeh is accused of leading the security wing of Hamas and of maintaining links close with the military wing of the movement. The Israeli authorities see them as the instigators of the acts of violence perpetrated against their country.
Conclusion :
The political and military figures of Hamas, Ismaël Haniyeh and Mohammed Deif, are now at the center of attention following the attacks of October 7. Israel considers these figures responsible for terrorist acts and targets them directly. However, it is important to note that these interpretations are subject to debate and that the situation remains complex. The evolution of this crisis will have major consequences on the political and security scene in the region.