Al-Qassam Brigades Explained

Al-Qassam Brigades, also known as the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades (EQB; ar|كتائب الشهيد عز الدين القسام|Katāʾib ash-Shahīd ʿIzz ad-Dīn al-Qassām<!-- the L on Al is pronounced like the following letter for both sh and d, so they should both be changed or both left as L, not one of each -->|The Battalions of the [[shahid|Martyr]] [[Izz ad-Din al-Qassam]]), are the military wing^{[9] [10] [11]} of the Sunni Islamist Palestinian nationalist organization, Hamas.^{[12] [13] [14] [15] [16]} Led by Mohammed Deif until his death on 13 July 2024, Al-Qassam Brigades are the largest and best-equipped militant organization operating within the Gaza Strip in recent years.

Created in mid-1991,^[17] they were at the time concerned with blocking the Oslo Accords negotiations.^{[18] [19]} From 1994 to 2000, Al-Qassam Brigades have claimed responsibility for carrying out a number of attacks against Israelis.

At the beginning of the Second Intifada, the group became a central target of Israel. Al-Qassam Brigades operated several cells in the West Bank. Hamas retained a forceful presence in the Gaza Strip, generally considered its stronghold. Yahya Sinwar, Hamas political leader in the Gaza Strip from February 2017 to October 2024, was the main military leader in the Brigades in Gaza during the Gaza war.^{[20] [21]} After his killing, Sinwar was succeeded by his brother Mohammed. Mohammed was assassinated in May 2025 and was succeeded by Izz al-Din al-Haddad.

Al-Qassam Brigades are explicitly listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union,^[22] Australia, New Zealand,^[23] Egypt,^[24] and the United Kingdom.^{[25] [26]} Though not explicitly mentioning EQB, the United States^{[27] [28]} and Canada^[29] have designated its parent entity, Hamas, as a terrorist organization;^[30] former Brigade leader Mohammed Deif was classified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US under Executive Order 13224.^{[31] [32]}

Overview

The Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades are the military wing of the Palestinian organization Hamas, operating in the Gaza Strip. They were led by Mohammed Deif and, before his death on 10 March 2024, his deputy, Marwan Issa.

Al-Qassam Brigades were named after Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, a Muslim preacher and mujahid who fought in Syria, Libya, and Palestine. In 1930, al-Qassam organised and established the Black Hand, a militant organisation that was opposed to Zionism and British and French rule in the Levant.^[33] Before dying in a shootout with the Palestine Police Force in 1935, al-Qassam exhorted his followers to embrace martyrdom and fight until the last bullet, which turned him into a role model for Palestinian nationalists.

Aims and objectives

According to Al-Qassam Brigades, its aims are:

To contribute in the effort of liberating Palestine and restoring the rights of the Palestinian people under the sacred Islamic teachings of the Holy Quran, the Sunnah (traditions) of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the traditions of Muslims rulers and scholars noted for their piety and dedication.

Relation to political wing; commanders

The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades are an integral part of Hamas. While they are subordinate to Hamas's broad political goals and its ideological objectives, they have a significant level of independence in decision making.^[34]

In 1997, political scientists Ilana Kass and Bard O'Neill described Hamas' relationship with the Brigades as reminiscent of Sinn Féin's relationship to the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) and quoted a senior Hamas official: "The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigade is a separate armed military wing, which has its own leaders who do not take their orders [from Hamas] and do not tell us of their plans in advance."^[35]

Carrying the IRA analogy further, Kass and O'Neill argued that the separation of the political and military wings shielded Hamas' political leaders from responsibility for terrorism with the plausible deniability provided made Hamas an eligible representative for peace negotiations as had happened with Sinn Féin politician Gerry Adams.^[36]

The fighters' identities and positions in the group often remain secret until their death. Even when they fight against Israeli incursions, all the militiamen wear a characteristic black hood on which the group's green headband is attached. The Brigades operate on a model of independent cells. Even high-ranking members are often unaware of the activities of other cells. This allows the group to constantly regenerate after member deaths.^[37]

During the Second Intifada, the leaders of the group were targeted by numerous airstrikes that killed many members, including Salah Shehade and Adnan al-Ghoul. The former leader of the Brigades, Mohammed Deif, survived at least seven assassination attempts.

Notable members

History

Background

In 1984, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Ibrahim al-Makhadmeh, Sheikh Salah Shehada, and others began preparing for the establishment of an armed organization to resist Israeli control, with a focus on acquiring weapons for future resistance activities. Members of the group were, however, arrested and the weapons were confiscated.

In 1986, Shehada formed a network of resistance cells, called al-Mujahidun al-Filastiniun ('Palestinian fighters'), who targeted Israeli troops and "traitors." This network operated until 1989, with their most famous operation being the 1989 kidnapping and killing of two Israeli soldiers: Avi Sasportas and Ilan Saadon.

Hamas was officially established on 14 December 1987, forming other similar networks as al-Mujahidun al-Filastiniun, such as the Abdullah Azzam Brigades. In the summer of 1991, during the First Palestinian Intifada (1987–1994), the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades were established, with their first act being the assassination of the rabbi of Kfar Darom.

Contemporary operations and activities

The international community, and more specifically the United Nations, considers the practice of war combatants using civilians as human shields to be a violation of the Geneva Conventions standards of war,^{[38] [39] [40]} and considers indiscriminate attacks (e.g., by rockets or suicide bombers)^[41] on civilian populations as illegal under international law.^[42]

The EQB's transition to a recognised militant organisation began during the establishment of the Oslo Accords to assist Hamas efforts in blocking them.^[43]

The year 2004 was pivotal in the development of Al-Qassam Brigades from a loosely-formed militia, into a structured organization with a defined chain of command. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF)'s assassinations of local leaders Ahmed Yassin and Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi resulted in decision-making power being transferred to leaders exiled in Damascus, which ultimately led to greater influence and funding from Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah.

The Gaza strip was divided into six or seven regional divisions, headed by a division commander with responsibility over defined sectors of territory. Each division commander oversaw regiment commanders and company commanders, who were responsible for small areas such as neighborhoods. A focus on tunnel warfare was selected as a primary means of combating the IDF.

On 3 August 2004, the first Yasin missile–a homebrew anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade–was launched. The group developed other homemade weapons, such as rocket launchers (al-Bana, Batar) and the Qassam rocket.^[44]

In 2003 and 2004, the Brigades in Gaza resisted incursions by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), including the siege of Jabalya in October 2004.

In 2005, as President Mahmoud Abbas had taken direct control of the PA security forces, which were loyal to the president's Fatah movement, the Hamas government in the Gaza Strip formed a separate 3,000-strong paramilitary police force, called the Executive Force,^[45] consisting of Al-Qassam Brigades members.^{[46] [47] [48] [49]}

In June 2006, Al-Qassam Brigades were involved in the operation which led to the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Al-Qassam Brigades engaged in heavy fighting in the Gaza Strip during Operation Summer Rains, launched by the IDF. It was the first time in over 18 months that the brigades were actively involved in fighting against Israeli soldiers. In May 2007, the brigades acknowledged they lost 192 fighters during the operation.^[50]

In January 2007, Abbas outlawed the Executive Force and ordered that its then-6,000 members be incorporated into the PA security forces under his command. The order was resisted by the Hamas government,^[51] which instead announced plans to double the size of the force to 12,000 men.^[52] Al-Qassam Brigades and the Executive Force took part in the Hamas takeover of Gaza in June 2007.

In June 2008, Egypt brokered a ceasefire, which lasted until 4 November when Israeli forces crossed into Gaza and killed six Hamas fighters. This resulted in an increase in rocket attacks on Israel, going from two in September and October to 190 in November 2008. Both sides said the other had broken the truce.^[53]

Organization

Al-Qassam Brigades are organized into formal military structures with established command hierarchies. They organize themselves from the squad, all the way to the brigade level, similar to conventional militaries. Strategies centered on targeted killings to remove key Hamas leaders are often ineffective, as Hamas is capable of promoting low-ranking members to replace those killed.^[54]

The forces are mainly divided into five brigades, divided geographically. Each brigade is divided into multiple battalions, with 30 total battalions. Each battalion is associated with a major settlement. They may be relocated and change their areas of responsibility during conflicts.

The current brigades and battalions identified by the Institute for the Study of War are,

• North Brigade—North Gaza Governorate
  • Beit Lahia Battalion
  • Beit Hanoun Battalion
  • al Khalifa al Rashidun Battalion
  • Martyr Suhail Ziadeh Battalion
  • Jabalia al Balad (Abdul Raouf Nabhan) Battalion
  • Imad Aql (Western) Battalion
  • Elite Battalion
• Gaza Brigade—Gaza Governorate
  • Sabra-Tal al Islam Battalion
  • Daraj wal Tuffah Battalion
  • Radwan (al Furkan) Battalion
  • Shujaiya Battalion
  • Zaytoun Battalion
  • Shati Battalion
  • Possible Elite Battalion per reports by Arab media, unconfirmed by Hamas or IDF.
• Central Brigade—Central Governorate
  • Deir al Balah Battalion
  • Al Bureij Battalion
  • Al Maghazi Battalion
  • Nusairat Battalion
  • Possible Elite Battalion
• Khan Younis Brigade—Khan Younis Governorate
  • Camp (West Khan Younis) Battalion
  • North Khan Younis Battalion
  • South Khan Younis Battalion
  • Eastern (Khan Younis) Battalion
  • Qarara Battalion
  • Elite Battalion
• Rafah Brigade—Rafah Governorate
  • Eastern Battalion
  • Khalid bin al Walid (Yabna Camp) Battalion
  • Shaboura Battalion
  • Possible fourth battalion, name unknown.
  • Elite Battalion

As a result of the Israeli invasion of Gaza Hamas suffered heavy losses and multiple battalions were dismantled by the IDF. According to the ISW by September 2024 Hamas is fighting in a disorganized manner through small, de-centralized cells of fighters.^[55] ISW and American Enterprise Institute's Critical Threats Project had noted in August 2024 that these cells are capable of merging to rebuild the battalions or regenerating the destroyed battalions by recruitment when IDF withdraws from areas.^[56]

Recruitment

Hamas fighters are largely recruited from unemployed minors, aged under 18. About 50,000 Gazan youths under 18 registered for "security" training.^{[57] [58] [59]} Recruitment is likely driven by the highest unemployment in the world, where 45% of Gazans are unemployed.^{[60] [61]} Al-Qassam spokesman Abu Obaida stated in a public speech in 2023 during the Gaza–Israel conflict that 85% of their recruits are orphans desiring revenge whose parents were killed by the Israeli Defense Forces.^{[62] [63] [64]}

Strength and armament

Since its establishment in December 1987, the military capability of the Brigades has increased markedly, from rifles to Qassam rockets and more.^[65] Although the Brigades manufacture their own weapons, an Associated Press analysis found that the majority of their arms come from China, Iran, and Russia, as well as North Korea and former Warsaw Pact countries. The Associated Press was unable to determine whether Hamas obtains weapons directly from those nations or through arms trafficking.^[66] China and North Korea have denied directly arming the Brigades,^[67] but American, Israeli, and South Korean intelligence suggests that North Korea has,^[68] while a Hamas official has stated the group received permission from Russia to copy its weapons. Iran is believed to smuggle weapons to the Brigades via underground tunnels in Gaza.^[69]

The Brigades run their own intelligence division.^[70]

The Brigades have a substantial inventory of light automatic weapons and grenades, improvised rockets, mortars, bombs, suicide belts, and explosives. The group engages in military-style training, including training that takes place in Gaza, on a range of weapons designed to inflict significant casualties on civilian and military targets.^[71]

The Brigades have a variety of anti-tank guided missiles, including the Kornet-E, Konkurs-M, Bulsae-2 (North Korean version of Fagot), 9K11 Malyutka and MILAN missiles. They possess shoulder-launched anti-aircraft missiles (MANPADS), such as the SA-7B, SA-18 Igla missiles, and it is believed a number of SA-24 Igla-S that it received from Libya.

While the number of members is known only to the Brigades leadership, in 2011, Israel estimated that the Brigades have a cadre of several hundred members who receive military-style training, including training in Iran and Syria.^[72] Additionally, the Brigades have an estimated 30,000 operatives "of varying degrees of skill and professionalism" who are members of the internal security forces, Hamas, and their supporters. These operatives can be expected to reinforce the Brigades in an "emergency situation."^[73] Other sources estimate their strength at 30,000–50,000.^{[74] [75]} An October 2023 estimate provides a figure of 40,000 fighters, with expertise in cyber security, naval warfare, and other specializations.^[76]

According to a statement by CIA director George Tenet in 2000, possibly referring to the Brigades, Hamas has pursued a capability to conduct attacks with toxic chemicals. There have been reports of Hamas operatives planning and preparing attacks incorporating chemicals. In one case, nails and bolts packed into explosives detonated by a Hamas suicide bomber in a December 2001 attack in Ben-Yehuda Street in Jerusalem were soaked in rat poison. In 2014, they launched the first Palestinian reconnaissance (UAV) aircraft, called Ababeel1.

Gaza forces

During the Gaza war, the IDF published its intelligence about the Hamas military in the Gaza Strip. They put the strength of the Qassam Brigades there at the start of the war at 30,000 fighters, organised by area in five brigades, consisting in total of 24 battalions and c. 140 companies. Each regional brigade had a number of strongholds and outposts, and included specialised arrays for rocket firing, anti-tank missiles, air defenses, snipers, and engineering.

On 8 January 2024, Israel discovered the largest known weapons factory of Hamas in Bureij. The site was opened for reporters by the IDF which contained, metal tubes and components as well as shell casings were stacked in an overground workshop area and long metal racks holding missiles could be seen. An elevator lead into a tunnel where rockets were stored and is connected to a tunnel network which allowed Hamas to transport rockets underground to launch sites.^[77] The same month, Israel reported that it discovered a "massive" stockpile of Chinese weaponry used by Hamas.^[78]

List of Al-Qassam Brigades attacks

Attacks during the First Intifada of 1987–1993!Date!Event!Killed!Injured!Responsibility claimed

16 April 1993	a Hamas suicide car bomb killed two in Mehola Junction bombing.
19 October 1994	a suicide bomber detonates on a bus in Tel Aviv[79]	22	56	Hamas
25 December 1994	a suicide bomber detonates at a bus stop in Jerusalem		12
9 April 1995	two suicide bombers detonate in Gaza[80]	8 (1 American + 7 IDF soldiers)	50	Hamas
21 August 1995	a suicide bomber detonates on a bus	5 (1 American + 4 IDF soldiers)	100	Hamas
9 September 1996	the abduction and murder of IDF soldier Sharon Edri.[81] [82]	1
21 March 1997	a Hamas suicide bomber detonated at a Tel Aviv sidewalk café.	3 women	46
4 September 1997	three suicide bombers detonate in Jerusalem.[83]	4	up to 200	Hamas
27 August 1998	a bomb in a garbage bin explodes in Tel Aviv during rush hour		14	Hamas
19 October 1998	two grenades thrown into a crowd at the Be'er Sheva bus station during rush hour.[84]		59	Hamas
29 October 1998	a Hamas suicide car bomber attempts to ram a school bus head-on near the Gush Katif Junction. An IDF jeep escorting the bus blocked the bomber who detonated the vehicle, killing the driver of the jeep and injuring 2 others. Six people in the bus received light injuries.	1	8

Attacks during the Second Intifada (September 2000 – 2005)!Date!Event!Killed!Injured!Responsibility claimed

1 January 2001	a Hamas suicide car bomber detonates in the city of Netanya. One victim died 7 days later.[85]	1	59
14 February 2001	a Hamas suicide bomber plowed a bus into a crowd and detonated.[86]	8	21
4 March 2001	a Hamas suicide bomber detonates in the city of Netanya.	3	68
28 March 2001	a Hamas suicide bomber blew himself up amidst a group of students waiting at a bus stop in Qalqilya in the West Bank.	2	4
22 April 2001	a Hamas suicide bomber blew himself up Kfar Saba.	1	50
18 May 2001	a Hamas suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance of a shopping mall in the city of Netanya.	5	100+
1 June 2001	Dolphinarium massacre — a suicide bomber linked to Hamas denotes outside a Tel Aviv nightclub.[87] [88]	21 (16 teens)	76
9 August 2001	Sbarro restaurant suicide bombing — a suicide bomber detonates in Jerusalem.	15	130	Hamas
4 September 2001	a Hamas suicide bomber detonates in West Jerusalem.		15
26 November 2001	a suicide bomber detonates at the Erez Crossing.[89]		2	Hamas
1 December 2001	two suicide bombers detonated one after the other followed by a car bomb in a mall in West Jerusalem.	11	130+	Hamas
2 December 2001	a suicide bomber boarded an Israeli bus traveling from the Nave Sha'anan district in Haifa; paying the driver with a large bill, he then blew himself.	15	40	Hamas
9 March 2002	a suicide bomber explodes in the crowded Moment café in the center of Jerusalem.[90]	11	54 (10 serious)	Hamas
31 March 2002	Matza restaurant massacre — a suicide bomber detonates in an Arab restaurant in Haifa.[91]	15	40+	Hamas
10 April 2002	a suicide bombing on a bus near Kibbutz Yagur, east of Haifa.	8 (6 IDF soldiers + 2 civilians)	22	Hamas
7 May 2002	a suicide bombing in a crowded pool hall in Rishon Lezion, southeast of Tel-Aviv.[92]	16	55	Hamas
19 May 2002	a suicide bomber disguised as a soldier, blew himself up in the market in Netanya.	3	59	Hamas and the PFLP
18 June 2002	Patt junction massacre — a suicide bomber detonates on a bus in Jerusalem.	19	74+	Hamas
16 July 2002	a terrorist attack on a bus traveling from Bnei Brak to Emmanuel, wherein an explosive charge was detonated next to the bullet-resistant bus. The terrorists waited in ambush, reportedly wearing Israeli army uniforms, and opened fire on the bus.[93]	9	20	Hamas, Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, and the DFLP
31 July 2002	a cell-phone detonated bomb exploded in the Frank Sinatra student center cafeteria on the Hebrew University's Mt. Scopus campus.[94]	9 (5 Americans)	85	Hamas (expressed regret for the American deaths)
4 August 2002	a suicide bombing of an Egged bus takes place at the Meron junction in the Galilee.[95]	9	~50	Hamas
27 February 2008	during February 2008, 257 rockets and 228 mortars were fired from the Gaza Strip into the western Negev causing 5 injuries, and on 27 February, the death of a 47-year-old student at Sapir College. Hamas has previously claimed responsibility for rocket barrages.[96]	1		Hamas
7 October 2023	In a cross-border land incursion dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, some 3,000 militants infiltrated Israel using trucks, motorcycles, bulldozers, speedboats, and powered paragliders; attacked multiple population centers and military targets in the Gaza periphery, including Sderot, Re'im, Zikim, Be'eri, Holit, Kfar Aza, Netiv HaAsara, Nir Oz, Alumim, and Nahal Oz; killed at least 1,400 people; and took over 200 people hostage.	1,200+		Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine (DFLP), Lions' Den, Al Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades

Killed leaders

On 3 September 2005, after Israel's withdrawal from settlements in the Gaza Strip, Al-Qassam Brigades revealed for the first time the names and functions of its commanders on its website as well as in a printed bulletin distributed to Palestinians.^[97] On 12 July 2006, the Israeli Air Force bombed a house in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, where Mohammed Deif, Ahmad al-Ghandur, and Raid Said were meeting. The three-story house was completely leveled, killing Hamas official Nabil al-Salmiah, his wife, their five children and two other children. Two of the three brigades leaders present escaped with moderate wounds. Deif received a spinal injury that required four hours of surgery.^[98]

On 1 January 2009, Nizar Rayan, a top Hamas leader who served as a liaison between the Palestinian organization's political leadership and its military wing, was killed in an Israeli Air Force strike during Operation Cast Lead.^[99] The day before the attack, Rayan had advocated renewal of suicide attacks on Israel, declaring, "Our only language with the Jew is through the gun".^[100] A 2,000-pound bomb was dropped on his house, also killing his 4 wives (Hiam 'Abdul Rahman Rayan, 46; Iman Khalil Rayan, 46; Nawal Isma'il Rayan, 40; and Sherine Sa'id Rayan, 25) and 11 of their children (As'ad, 2; Usama Ibn Zaid, 3; 'Aisha, 3; Reem, 4; Miriam, 5; Halima, 5; 'Abdul Rahman, 6; Abdul Qader, 12; Aaya, 12; Zainab, 15; and Ghassan, 16).^{[101] [102] [103] [104]} On 3 January 2009, Israeli aircraft attacked the car in which Abu Zakaria al-Jamal, a leader of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam armed wing, was traveling. He died of the wounds suffered in the bombing.^[105] The following day, the Israeli Air Force struck and killed in Khan Yunis two senior Brigrade leaders, Hussam Hamdan and Muhammad Hilo, both of whom the Israelis blamed for attacks against Israel. According to Israeli authorities Hamdan was in charge of rocket attacks against Beersheba and Ofakim, while Hilo was reportedly behind Hamas' special forces in Khan Yunis.^[106] On 15 January 2009, the Israeli Air Force bombed a house in Jabaliya, killing a prominent Brigades commander named Mohammed Watfa. The strike targeted the Palestinian Interior Minister Said Seyam, who was also killed.^[107]

On 30 July 2010, one of the leaders Issa Abdul-Hadi Al-Batran, aged 40, was killed at the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip by an Israeli airstrike.^[108] On 14 November 2012, Ahmed Jaabari, the head of Al-Qassam Brigade, was killed along with seven others in Gaza, marking the beginning of Israel's "Operation Pillar of Defense".^[109] On 21 August 2014, an Israeli air strike killed Muhammad Abu Shamala, the sub-commander of Southern Gaza Strip; Raed al Atar, the commander of the Rafah company and member of the Hamas high military council; and Mohammed Barhoum.^[110] On 30 January 2018, Imad Al-Alami died as a result of injuries sustained while he was inspecting his personal weapon in Gaza City.^[111]

Hamas confirmed in November 2023 that Israeli airstrikes had killed Ahmed Ghandour, the commander of Al-Qassam Brigade in northern Gaza; Ayman Siam, head of the rocket-firing unit; and Fursan Khalifa, a senior commander in the West Bank, as well as Ghandour's deputy Wael Rajab.^[112] Marwan Issa, deputy leader of Al-Qassam Brigades and second-in-command to Mohammed Deif, was killed by Israeli forces on 10 March 2024.^[113]

On 13 May 2025, the IDF and Shin Bet said that Mohammed Sinwar, commander of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, had been targeted in an Israeli airstrike on a bunker under the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis. The strike killed 26 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, but Sinwar's fate was unclear.^{[114] [115] [116]} According to the Saudi channel Al-Hadath, the bodies of Sinwar and Muhammad Shabana were recovered from the tunnel. Israeli defense minister Israel Katz said that "according to all the indications Muhammad Sinwar was eliminated."^[117] Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said that Hamas members in the Gaza Strip had told him that Sinwar was still alive.^[118] On 28 May 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Sinwar had been killed.^[119] On 31 May 2025, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed that Sinwar had been killed.^{[120] [121]} On 8 June 2025, the IDF said they found Sinwar's body in an "underground passageway beneath the European Hospital" in Khan Yunis.^[122]

International response

The international community, and more specifically the United Nations, considers the practice of war combatants to turn civilians into human shields as a violation of the Geneva Conventions standards of war, and considers indiscriminate attacks (e.g., by rockets or suicide bombers) on civilian populations as illegal under international law.

Al-Qassam Brigades are explicitly listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, Japan,^[123] and the United Kingdom. Though not explicitly mentioning EQB, Argentina,^[124] Canada, the United States, and Paraguay^[125] have designated its parent entity, Hamas, as a terrorist organization; Brigade leader Mohammed Deif has also been classified as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US under Executive Order 13224.

Military media

thumb|An inverted red triangle has been used as a "signature" by the Qassam Brigades to highlight combat vehicles and ground forces that are about to be targeted

After Israel launched the ground invasion of Gaza on 27 October 2023, the Qassam Brigades publicized many of their ambushes against Israeli vehicles on their military media for the battle of al-Aqsa Flood. Most of these videos, shot mainly from the fighters' point of view through a GoPro camera involve the ambush of vehicles, targeted by rockets before the militiamen retreat to their bases, though footage of sniper operations and targeting ground forces has been published as well.

Targets were highlighted with a flashing inverted red triangle.^[126] Due to the nature of these attacks, being hit and run and militiamen turning away immediately after the round has been shot, as well as the Israeli vehicles Trophy APS, it has been called into question how effective these attacks were and how many tanks were successful hit instead of the rockets being intercepted. In spite of this, the Qassam brigades have publicised videos on their military media showing successful hits where plates are seen being torn off tanks after being hit by rockets, or the aftermath of their ambushes showing ignited vehicles,^{[127] [128]} as well as captured uniforms and weapons from the IDF.videos in July 2024 also show the Qassam Brigades destroying and igniting a Namer and a Merkava, which were both equipped with a trophy APS.^[129]

See also

• Nukhba forces

References

Bibliography

• Aviad . Guy . April 2009 . Hamas' Military Wing in the Gaza Strip: Development, Patterns of Activity, and Forecast . Military and Strategic Affairs . 1 . 1 . 3–15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231015100941/https://www.inss.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/FILE1272778269-1.pdf . 2023-10-15 .
• Book: Blumenthal, Max . The 51 Day War: Ruin and Resistance in Gaza . Nation Books . 2015 . 978-1-56858-512-3 . New York.
• Book: Chehab, Zaki . Inside Hamas: The Untold Story of Militants, Martyrs and Spies . I.B. Tauris . 2007 . 978-1-84511-389-6 . London/New York.
• Hussein . Ahmed Qasem . 2021 . The Evolution of the Military Action of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades: How Hamas Established its Army in Gaza . AlMuntaqa . Arab Center for Research & Policy Studies . 4 . 1 . 78–97 . 10.31430/almuntaqa.4.1.0078 . 17 January 2024 . 5 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240117234708/https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.31430/almuntaqa.4.1.0078 . live .
• Book: Najib . Mohammad . Entry-points to Palestinian Security Sector Reform . Friedrich . Roland . . 2007 . 978-9-292-22061-7 . Friedrich . Roland . 101–127 . Non-Statutory Armed Groups and Security Sector Governance . Luethold . Arnold . https://web.archive.org/web/20231029224450/https://www.dcaf.ch/sites/default/files/publications/documents/Entry-Points(EN).pdf . 2023-10-29 . live .
• Book: Seurat, Leila . The Foreign Policy of Hamas . . 2019. 9781838607449.
• Strazzari . Francesco . Tholens . Simone . 2010 . Another Nakba: Weapons Availability and the Transformation of the Palestinian National Struggle, 1987–2007 . International Studies Perspectives . 11 . 2 . 112–130 . 10.1111/j.1528-3585.2010.00397.x . 44218628 . 11382/302297 . free .

Notes and References

1. Book: Mišʿal . Šāʾûl . Sela . Avraham . Selaʿ . Avrāhām . The Palestinian Hamas: vision, violence, and coexistence ; [with a new introduction] ]. 2006 . Columbia Univ. Press . New York . 9780231116756 . 20 October 2023 . 6 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231106101344/https://books.google.com/books?id=gdKnUys3mWAC . live.
2. Web site: 5 April 2013 . Military wing of Hamas training Syrian rebels . The Jerusalem Post.
3. Web site: 19 April 2015 . Assad: Syria Has 'No Relation at All' with Hamas . Palestine Chronicle.
4. News: 21 June 2022 . Hamas to restore Syria ties after 10 years of dispute, sources say . 30 September 2024 . Reuters.
5. See Aknaf Bait al-Maqdis
6. News: Summer . Said . Dave . Leiber . Anat . Peled . 11 June 2025 . The 'Ghost of al-Qassam' Becomes Hamas's Third Leader in Seven Months . 20 June 2025 . The Wall Street Journal . 13 June 2025 . https://archive.today/20250613114622/https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-gaza-leader-ezzedin-al-haddad-097ce4b3 . live.
7. Web site: Report: Hamas recruiting 30,000 fighters in Gaza as it shifts to guerrilla warfare . 19 April 2025 . 19 April 2025.
8. Web site: Tollast . Robert . Oweis . Khaled Yacoub . 2023-11-15 . Who are Hamas's allies in Gaza? From Islamic Jihad to Marxist militants . 2023-12-17 . The National . en . 19 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231119103709/https://www.thenationalnews.com/mena/palestine-israel/2023/11/15/hamas-gaza-pij-islamic-jihad-plfp-brigades/ . live.
9. News: 29 March 2024 . Al-Qassam Brigades say they hit 3 Israeli tanks, bulldozer in Gaza . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20240329133201/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20240329-al-qassam-brigades-say-they-hit-3-israeli-tanks-bulldozer-in-gaza/ . 29 March 2024 . 27 August 2024 . . Hamas's military wing the Al-Qassam Brigades said Thursday that its fighters targeted several Israeli military vehicles across the Gaza Strip.
10. News: Al-Qassam Brigades pledge allegiance to new Hamas' political chief Yahya Sinwar. 10 August 2024. en. 28 August 2024. Anadolu ajansı. 28 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240828032337/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/al-qassam-brigades-pledge-allegiance-to-new-hamas-political-chief-yahya-sinwar/3300028. live.
11. News: Hamas' military wing targets Israeli surveillance site in central Gaza. Majid. Mohamed. 25 April 2024. en. 28 August 2024. Anadolu ajansı.
12. Web site: Al-Quds Brigades says it targets Israeli cities. 2021-05-20. Anadolu ajansı. 12 October 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231012065342/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/al-quds-brigades-says-it-targets-israeli-cities/2236103. live.
13. News: 2021-05-13. Hamas: The Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza. en-GB. BBC News. 2021-05-20. 24 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180124212053/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-13331522. live.
14. News: Hamas sees disbanding of Israel's War Cabinet as victory for Palestinian resistance. Asmar. Ahmed. 2024-06-18. 2024-08-23. Anadolu Ajansi. 23 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240823131157/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/hamas-sees-disbanding-of-israels-war-cabinet-as-victory-for-palestinian-resistance/3252488. live.
15. News: Israeli forces ambushed in southern Gaza, say Al-Qassam Brigades. Afifi. Dilara. 2024-07-20. 2024-08-24. Anadolu Ajansı. The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian group Hamas, said Saturday that they ambushed Israeli forces in the southern Gaza Strip.. 24 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240824100142/https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israeli-forces-ambushed-in-southern-gaza-say-al-qassam-brigades/3280737. live.
16. News: What is Hamas's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades?. 2023-10-26. en. Al Jazeera English. 2024-08-24. Hamas established its military unit, the Qassam Brigades, in 1992 to support its objective of armed resistance against Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The name is inspired by Syrian freedom fighter Ezzedine al-Qassam, who struggled against European colonisers in the Levant. After he was expelled to Palestine by the French colonialists, he took up the Palestinian cause, calling for armed resistance.
17. Web site: About Us . Al-Qassam Brigades Information Office . 28 November 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141111223719/http://www.qassam.ps/aboutus.html . 11 November 2014 . dmy-all.
18. Book: Cleveland, William L. . A history of the modern Middle East . 1999 . Westview Press . 978-0-8133-3489-9 . 494 . registration . 8 August 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121231035019/https://archive.org/details/historyofmodernm00clev . 31 December 2012 . live.
19. The Challenge of Hamas to Fatah . The Middle East Quarterly. 2003. 3 December 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20150110123029/http://www.meforum.org/516/the-challenge-of-hamas-to-fatah . 10 January 2015 . live. Schanzer. Jonathan.
20. News: Beaumont . Peter . Hamas elects hardliner Yahya Sinwar as its Gaza Strip chief . 13 February 2017 . . https://web.archive.org/web/20170213150750/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/13/hamas-elects-hardliner-yahya-sinwar-as-its-gaza-strip-chief . 13 February 2017 . live.
21. News: Balousha . Hazam . Booth . William . 13 February 2017 . Hamas names hard-liner as its new political leader in Gaza . . https://web.archive.org/web/20170213183423/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/hamas-names-hard-liner-as-its-new-political-leader-in-gaza-/2017/02/13/b4e31518-f1f6-11e6-9fb1-2d8f3fc9c0ed_story.html . 13 February 2017 . live . 2 April 2018 . dmy-all.
22. Implementing Article 2(3) of Regulation (EC) No 2580/2001 on specific restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities with a view to combating terrorism and repealing Decision 2005/848/EC . Council Decision . 21 December 2005 . . . L 340 . 23 December 2005 . 64 --> . 2005/930/EC . 2024-04-26 .
23. Web site: Lists associated with Resolution 1373 . New Zealand Police . 20 July 2014 . 16 August 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180102210429/http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/personal-community/counterterrorism/designated-entities/lists-associated-with-resolution-1373 . 2 January 2018 . live.
24. Web site: La branche armée du Hamas palestinien déclarée "terroriste" en Egypte. 31 January 2015. rts.ch. 6 October 2022. 25 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150425095202/https://www.rts.ch/info/monde/6504908-la-branche-armee-du-hamas-palestinien-declaree-terroriste-en-egypte.html. live.
25. Terrorism Act 2000 . Terrorism Act 2000 . 2000-07-20 . sched. 2 . Proscribed Organisations . UK Public General Acts . 2000 c. 11 . http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/11/schedule/2 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130121085241/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/11/schedule/2 . 2013-01-21 . live . 28 April 2018.
26. Web site: Proscribed terrorist groups or organisations. 2021-05-20. GOV.UK. en. 23 April 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210423112543/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/proscribed-terror-groups-or-organisations--2/proscribed-terrorist-groups-or-organisations-accessible-version. live.
27. Web site: Foreign Terrorist Organizations. 2021-05-20. United States Department of State. en. 15 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190515204913/https://www.state.gov/foreign-terrorist-organizations/. live.
28. Web site: April 2005. Country Reports on Terrorism 2004. 2014-08-02. U.S. State Department. 4 February 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20250204102722/https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/45313.pdf. live.
29. "Al-Qassam Brigades | Database ." Jihad Intel. Middle East Forum. Retrieved 2021 May 20.
30. Web site: 2018-12-21. Currently listed entities. 2021-05-20. www.publicsafety.gc.ca. 5 October 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161005193024/https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/lstd-ntts/crrnt-lstd-ntts-en.aspx#25. live.
31. "Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List ." U.S. Department of the Treasury. 2021 May 20. Retrieved 2021 May 20.
32. Web site: Executive Order 13224. 2021-05-20. United States Department of State. en. 19 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190519185336/https://www.state.gov/executive-order-13224/. live.
33. Book: Segev, Tom . Tom Segev . One Palestine, Complete . 1999 . Metropolitan Books . 0-8050-4848-0 . 360–362 .
34. Web site: Al-Qassam Brigades: Details of the organisation. https://web.archive.org/web/20190521092637/https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Listedterroristorganisations/Pages/HamassIzzal-Dinal-QassamBrigades.aspx . 21 May 2019. Australian National Security. Australian Government. 20 May 2021.
35. Book: The Deadly Embrace: The Impact of Israeli and Palestinian Rejectionism on the Peace Process. https://web.archive.org/web/20160505130917/https://books.google.com/books?id=ApANDp1XzmgC&dq=hamas+qassam+brigades+independent&source=gbs_navlinks_s . 5 May 2016. University Press of America. Ilana Kass. Bard E. O'Neill . 1997. 267. 0-7618-0535-4 .
36. Kass & O'Neill, p. 268
37. News: Asser . Martin . 26 September 2002 . Profile: Hamas commander Mohammed Deif . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20090830165314/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2284055.stm . 30 August 2009 . 5 May 2010 . BBC News.
38. Web site: Berger. Yosef Ari Soffer. Seeking Human Shields, Hamas Tells Gazans to Ignore IDF Warnings . 10 July 2014 . Arutz Sheva. 10 July 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140712231209/http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/182741. 12 July 2014 . live.
39. Web site: Levs. Josh . Sidner . Sara . Abu-Rahma . Talal . Rockets pound Israel, Gaza as Netanyahu alleges 'double war crime'. 15 November 2012 . CNN. 10 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140714161316/http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/15/world/meast/gaza-israel-strike/. 14 July 2014 . live.
40. News: Keinon. Herb. As casualties in Gaza rise, PM accuses Hamas of double war crime. The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com. 10 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140710113108/http://www.jpost.com/Operation-Protective-Edge/As-casualties-in-Gaza-rise-PM-accuses-Hamas-of-double-war-crime-362160. 10 July 2014. live.
41. Robert W. Kurz. Charles K. Bartles . Chechen suicide bombers. Journal of Slavic Military Studies . 2007 . 20 . 4 . 529–547 . 10.1080/13518040701703070. 30 August 2012 . Routledge. 96476266. https://web.archive.org/web/20171011185147/http://www.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a477845.pdf . 11 October 2017 . live . 1351-8046.
42. Web site: Protection of the civilian population. Protocol Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts (Protocol I), 8 June 1977 . International Committee of the Red Cross. 10 July 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140714143327/http://www.icrc.org/ihl/WebART/470-750065 . 14 July 2014. live.
43. Book: Yousef, Mosab. Son of Hamas. 2009. Tyndale Housing Publisher . 57.
44. Web site: Missiles and Mortars . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090318082137/http://weaponsurvey.com/missilesrockets.htm . 18 March 2009 . Weapon Survey . 5 November 2023 .
45. News: Butcher. Tim . 2009-01-05. Hamas fighters now a well-organised force. en-GB. Daily Telegraph . live . 2019-07-16. https://web.archive.org/web/20180927085759/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/4127074/Hamas-fighters-now-a-well-organised-force.html . 27 September 2018. 0307-1235.
46. Friedrich and Luethold–2007, p. 22
47. https://www.jpost.com/Middle-East/Hamas-to-expand-Executive-Force "Hamas to expand 'Executive Force'"
48. http://www.miftah.org/Display.cfm?DocId=10400&CategoryId=21 "The Palestinian Security Services: Past and Present"
49. https://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/18/world/middleeast/18mideast.html "Hamas-Led Government Deploys Security Force, Defying Abbas"
50. Web site: ar:إحصائية رسمية صادرة عن المكتب الإعلامي لشهداء كتائب الشهيد عز الدين القسام في معركة وفاء الأحـــرار . Official statistics issued by the Media Office of the Martyrs of the Martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades in the Battle of Wafa al-Ahrar . Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades . http://www.alqassam.ps/arabic/wfaa_alahrar/sohdaa1.htm . https://web.archive.org/web/20070528131219/http://www.alqassam.ps/arabic/wfaa_alahrar/sohdaa1.htm . 28 May 2007.
51. https://www.boston.com/news/world/middleeast/articles/2007/01/07/abbas_outlaws_hamass_paramilitary_executive_force/ "Abbas outlaws Hamas's paramilitary Executive Force"
52. https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/6237473.stm "Hamas defiant on 'illegal' force"
53. News: McCarthy . Rory . 5 November 2008 . Gaza truce broken as Israeli raid kills six Hamas gunmen . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231121165616/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/nov/05/israelandthepalestinians . 21 November 2023.
54. Web site: The Order of Battle of Hamas' Izz Al Din Al Qassem Brigades . . en . 23 December 2023 . 1 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240101055212/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/order-battle-hamas%E2%80%99-izz-al-din-al-qassem-brigades . live.
55. News: Iran Update, September 17, 2024 . 18 September 2024 . Institute for the Study of War . en . 18 September 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240918005000/https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/iran-update-september-17-2024 . live.
56. News: Netanyahu says 'victory' over Hamas is in sight. The data tells a different story . 18 September 2024 . . en.
57. Knudsen . Are . Crescent and Sword: The Hamas Enigma . Third World Quarterly . 2005 . 26 . 8 . 1373–1388 . 10.1080/01436590500336898 . 4017719 . 11250/2435993 . 145445167 . 9 January 2024 . 0143-6597 . free . 9 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240109095036/https://www.jstor.org/stable/4017719 . live.
58. Web site: Al-Qassam Brigades announces military training camp for children and teenagers FDD's Long War Journal . www.longwarjournal.org . 9 January 2024 . 16 June 2021 . 9 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240109095037/https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2021/06/al-qassam-brigades-announces-military-training-camp-for-children-and-teenagers.php . live.
59. Web site: Hamas continues recruiting child soldiers: Where is the condemnation? . The Jerusalem Post . 9 January 2024 . 27 June 2021 . 7 December 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231207201112/https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/hamas-continues-recruiting-child-soldiers-so-where-is-the-condemnation-672163 . live.
60. Web site: Occupied Palestinian Territory Has World's Highest Unemployment Rate – UNCTAD Report UNCTAD . unctad.org . 9 January 2024 . en . 12 September 2018.
61. Web site: Economic impact of the conflict on Israelis and Palestinians . ifamericansknew.org . 9 January 2024 . 9 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240109095039/https://ifamericansknew.org/stat/econ.html . live.
62. Web site: Who Is The Mysterious Hamas Leader Mohammad Deif? . The Judean . 9 January 2024 . 3 November 2023.
63. Web site: Understanding Hamas . www.husseinhamid.com . 17 November 2023 . 9 January 2024.
64. Web site: 85% of the members of their unit are orphans who lost their relatives in the war. . INF News . 9 January 2024.
65. "Hamas's Tactics: Lessons from Recent Attacks", by Jamie Chosak and Julie Sawyer. The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. 19 October 2005
66. Web site: . Hamas fights with patchwork of weapons built by Iran, China, Russia and North Korea . . December 31, 2024 . January 15, 2024 . 31 December 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20241231171240/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/15/hamas-fights-with-patchwork-of-weapons-built-by-iran-china-russia-and-north-korea-00135641 . live.
67. Web site: Hyeon Choi . Seong . China denies providing weapons to Hamas in Israel-Gaza war . . 9 September 2024 . 25 January 2024 . 26 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240826080413/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3249784/china-denies-providing-weapons-hamas-israel-gaza-war . live.
68. Web site: Kim . Hyung-Jim . Tong-Hyung . Kim . Gambrell . Jon . Evidence shows Hamas militants likely used some North Korean weapons in attack on Israel . . October 19, 2023 . December 31, 2024 . 19 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231019044707/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-hamas-north-korea-weapons-703e33663ea299f920d0d14039adfbb8 . live.
69. Web site: Lendon . Brad . How does Hamas get its weapons? A mix of improvisation, resourcefulness and a key overseas benefactor . . December 31, 2024 . October 12, 2023 . 12 October 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231012050128/https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/11/middleeast/hamas-weaponry-gaza-israel-palestine-unrest-intl-hnk-ml/index.html . live.
70. Web site: Fabian . Emanuel . Gallant: Hamas has lost control in Gaza; gunmen who fired from hospital entrance killed | The Times of Israel. The Times of Israel. 13 November 2023 . 14 November 2023. 14 November 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231114074143/https://www.timesofisrael.com/gallant-hamas-has-lost-control-in-gaza-troops-kill-gunmen-who-fired-from-hospital/. live.
71. Web site: Error. 2 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220602115752/https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/agd/WWW/nationalsecurity.nsf/Page/What_Governments_are_doing_Listing_of_Terrorism_Organisations_Hamas%26apos%3C. 2 June 2022. 10 June 2022. live.
72. Web site: Hamas's Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades . AG . 1 August 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110805034535/http://www.ag.gov.au/agd/WWW/nationalsecurity.nsf/Page/What_Governments_are_doing_Listing_of_Terrorism_Organisations_Hamas%26apos . 5 August 2011 . dmy-all.
73. https://web.archive.org/web/20110805071320/http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Terrorism-+Obstacle+to+Peace/Terror+Groups/The%20HAMAS%20Terror%20Organization%20-%202007%20update The Hamas Terror Organization – 2007 update
74. Christian Chesnot, Michel Goya : "Militairement, le Hamas monte en gamme depuis 2010", France Culture, 18 May 2021.
75. Web site: Omer. Mohammed. Hamas growing in military stature, say analysts . Middle East Eye. 17 July 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140721020702/http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/hamas-gains-credibility-fighting-force-analysts-say-371780262. 21 July 2014. live.
76. News: Nakhoul . Samia . 2023-10-16 . How Hamas secretly built a 'mini-army' to fight Israel . . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231104092333/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/how-hamas-secretly-built-mini-army-fight-israel-2023-10-13/ . 2023-11-04.
77. News: Israeli forces say they locate large underground weapons factory in Gaza . 9 January 2024 . . 13 March 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240313190008/https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-forces-say-they-locate-large-underground-weapons-factory-gaza-2024-01-08/ . live.
78. News: Swan . Melanie . 2024-01-05 . Hamas 'using massive stockpile of Chinese weaponry' in Gaza . 2024-01-12 . . en-GB . 0307-1235 . 5 January 2024 . https://archive.today/20240105182833/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/01/05/hamas-stockpile-chinese-weaponry-gaza-israel-investigates/ . live.
79. Anthony Cordesman and Jennifer Moravitz The Israeli-Palestinian War: Escalating to Nowhere Greenwood Publishing Group 2005 p. 24
80. Moravitz p. 25
81. News: Senior Hamas fugitive nabbed. Ynetnews. 11 October 2005. Weiss. Efrat. 8 December 2016. 30 August 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161208150326/http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3154157,00.html. live.
82. Web site: Abduction as a Weapon. 30 August 2016. 11 October 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161011180843/http://www.thejewishweek.com/features/abduction_weapon . dead.
83. Moravitz Pg 26
84. Moravitz Pg 27
85. http://www.phrmg.org/monitor2001/oct2001-israeli_fatalities.htm#Palestinians Suicide Attacks In Israel And The Occupied Territories October 2000 to September 2001
86. Web site: Major Palestinian Terror Attacks Since Oslo. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20140908020246/http://www.radiobergen.org/terrorism/terror_attacks_01.htm. 8 September 2014 . 2012-11-15. Radio Bergen. dmy-all.
87. News: O'Sullivan . Arieh . 25 November 2001. No. 1 Hamas terrorist killed. Followers threaten revenge in Tel Aviv.. The Jerusalem Post . dead. 30 January 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20121023030542/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-48416289.html. 23 October 2012.
88. News: Fisher. Ian. 29 January 2006. In Hamas's Overt Hatred, Many Israelis See Hope. The New York Times. 30 January 2009. 11 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121111022312/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/29/international/middleeast/29israel.html. live.
89. Joe Stork Erased in a Moment: Suicide Bombing Attacks Against Israeli Civilians Human Rights Watch 2002 Pg 143
90. Stork Pg 145
91. Stork Pg 146
92. Stork Pg 147
93. Terrorist attack on bus at Emmanuel . 16 July 2002 . Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs . 27 April 2024 . 27 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240427075454/https://www.gov.il/en/pages/terrorist-attack-on-bus-at-emmanuel-july-16-2002 . live.
94. https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/01/international/middleeast/01CND-MIDE.html Bush Is 'Furious' at American Toll in Latest Bombing
95. Stork Pg 148
96. Web site: The Hamas war against Israel: A Diary . 2024-04-26 . 28 February 2008 . Updated 2021-08-16 . Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs . 27 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240427075457/https://www.gov.il/en/pages/the-hamas-war-against-israel-a-diary-february-2008 . live.
97. News: Nessman . Ravi . Islamic militant group reveals leaders' names . Ocala Star-Banner . Associated Press . 2005-09-04 . subscription . 2024-04-26 . .
98. https://archive.today/20120918135325/http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=39802 Israel's Most Wanted Man Seriously Injured In Bombing
99. https://web.archive.org/web/20120308162733/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i8zRJWJeLrh3ZOH6yd-Pui1oqekA Israel raids kill Hamas leader, take Gaza death toll past 400
100. News: Israel fells key Hamas strongman, escalating conflict; says it's ready for ground invasion. 1 January 2009. New York Daily News. 1 January 2009.
101. News: Israeli strike kills senior Hamas leader. 1 January 2009. Reuters. 2 January 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090101105655/http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSLS69391620090101?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews. 1 January 2009. live.
102. News: Strike Kills Hamas Leader as Israel Demands Global Monitors for Truce. 1 January 2009. Fox News. 1 January 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090104002813/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,474824,00.html. 4 January 2009. live.
103. News: Child casualties mount in besieged Gaza . Associated Press . International Herald Tribune . 1 January 2009 . 1 January 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20090213154506/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2009/01/01/news/ML-Gaza-Children-Casualties.php . 13 February 2009.
104. http://www.pchrgaza.org/files/PressR/English/2008/125-2008.html IOF Offensive on the Gaza Strip Continues for the 7th Consecutive Day
105. News: Israeli ground forces cross border into Gaza. The Guardian. London. Chris. McGreal. 3 January 2009. 5 May 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20130905172913/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jan/03/middleeast-israelandthepalestinians. 5 September 2013. live.
106. Web site: Archived copy . 3 January 2020 . https://www.webcitation.org/66OpW1Iie?url=https://www.jpost.com/EditionFrancaise/Home.aspxservlet/Satellite?cid=1230733163611&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull . 24 March 2012 . dead.
107. Web site: IAF kills Hamas strongman Siam | Confronting Hamas | Jerusalem Post . 2011-02-04 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120203063735/http://fr.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1231950866724&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull . 3 February 2012 . dmy.
108. Web site: Hamas leader killed in Israeli airstrike. Sify. 31 July 2010. 15 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120928034352/http://www.sify.com/news/hamas-leader-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-news-international-kh5vabdbjhh.html?scategory=international. 28 September 2012. dead.
109. News: IAF strike kills Hamas military chief Jabari. The Jerusalem Post | Jpost.com . The Jerusalem Post. 15 November 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121114141727/http://www.jpost.com/Defense/Article.aspx?id=291779 . 14 November 2012. live.
110. News: Nidal . al-Mughrabi . Maayan . Lubell . Luke . Baker . Update 1-Hamas says Israel killed three top Gaza commanders . Reuters . 21 August 2014. en-IN. 2016-09-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20140821153935/http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/08/21/mideast-gaza-idINL5N0QR0P020140821. 21 August 2014. dead.
111. Web site: 2018-01-30. Hamas leader dies after receiving life threatening head injury. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20180507085517/https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20180130-hamas-leader-dies-after-receiving-life-threatening-head-injury/. 7 May 2018. 2019-07-16. Middle East Monitor. en-GB.
112. News: Hamas confirms senior commanders killed in earlier Gaza fighting. The Times of Israel. Emanuel. Fabian. 26 November 2023. 10 June 2024. 11 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240610064335/https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-confirms-senior-commanders-killed-in-earlier-gaza-fighting/. live.
113. News: Rasgon . Adam . 2024-03-11 . Israel Says It Targeted Marwan Issa, a Top Hamas Leader in Gaza . 2024-03-17 . The New York Times . en-US . 0362-4331 . 19 March 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240319012111/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/11/world/middleeast/israel-strike-marwan-issa-hamas.html . live.
114. Web site: Israel's latest attacks on Gaza hospitals killed at least 28 people. 13 May 2025. Al Jazeera.
115. Web site: Ravid . Barak . 2025-05-13 . Israel targets top Hamas commander in strike on hospital bunker . 2025-05-13 . Axios . en.
116. Web site: IDF and Shin Bet carry out strike in southern Gaza, target Hamas leader Mohamad Sinwar, brother of Yahya Sinwar. 13 May 2025. Haaretz.
117. News: Yohanan . Nurit . ToI Staff . Fabian . Emanuel . Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar's body said found in Gaza tunnel hit by IDF last week . 18 May 2025. The Times of Israel. en-US.
118. Web site: Senior Hamas official says Mohammed Sinwar still alive. 20 May 2025 . Tehran Times. 19 May 2025 .
119. News: Netanyahu says Hamas Gaza chief Mohammed Sinwar has been eliminated . 2025-05-28 . 2025-05-28 . Reuters.
120. Web site: Zitun . Yoav . IDF confirms killing of top Hamas commander Mohammed Sinwar in Khan Younis strike . Ynetnews . May 31, 2025 . May 31, 2025.
121. Web site: Israeli military says it killed Hamas military leader Mohammed Sinwar on May 13 . Reuters . May 31, 2025 . May 31, 2025.
122. Web site: Joseph Stepansky . Usaid Siddiqui . Stephen Quillen . Farah Najjar. 'Human slaughterhouses': Israel's aid dispersal sites in Gaza condemned . 2025-06-08 . Al Jazeera . en.
123. According to Michael Penn, (Japan and the War on Terror: Military Force and Political Pressure in the US-Japanese Alliance, I.B. Tauris 2014 pp. 205–06), Japan initially welcomed the democratic character of the elections that brought Hamas to power, and only set conditions on its aid to Palestine, after intense pressure was exerted by the Bush Administration on Japan to alter its policy.
124. Web site: Argentina designates Hamas a terrorist group in show of support for Israel . . April 23, 2025 . July 12, 2024 . 18 July 2024 . https://archive.today/20240718060519/https://apnews.com/article/argentina-terrorism-hamas-israel-palestinians-milei-2806ce6633de66dcebf2a10486dff81d . live.
125. Web site: Netanyahu welcomes Paraguay's decision to label Hamas and Hezbollah as terrorist groups . . April 23, 2025 . August 19, 2019.
126. Web site: What's the red triangle being used by pro-Palestinian activists? . 31 August 2024 . . 26 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240826025459/https://www.aljazeera.com/program/newsfeed/2023/11/13/whats-the-red-triangle-being-used-by-pro-palestinian-activists . live.
127. Web site: شاهد.. القسام تدمر عددا من آليات الاحتلال في الشجاعية شمالي غزة . . 1 February 2025 . 6 April 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240406173226/https://www.aljazeera.net/news/2023/12/6/%D8%B4%D8%A7%D9%87%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%AF%D9%85%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D8%AF%D8%AF%D8%A7-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A2%D9%84%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AA . live.
128. Web site: شاهد فيديو: استهداف وتدمير آليات العدو في حي تل الهوى غرب مدينة غزة ة . Al-Ahed.
129. Web site: فيديو: كتائب القسام تستهدف آليات العدو في محاور التوغل بمدينة رفح. 13 July 2024 .