Since resuming military operations in Gaza on March 18, Israel has intensified its targeted assassinations campaign, striking a significant blow to Hamas’s command and control infrastructure. According to Palestinian sources, Israel’s success in locating and eliminating senior Hamas figures, especially top intelligence operatives, is due to a combination of enhanced intelligence work, cutting-edge surveillance technologies, covert listening devices, and possible undercover special forces operations inside Gaza.
A Heavy Price for Hamas Leadership
In recent weeks, Israel has eliminated several top Hamas officials, including Abd al-Latif al-Qanou, the group’s spokesperson; Ashraf al-Gharabawi, intelligence chief of the al-Qassam Brigades; and Ahmad al-Kayali, who oversaw Hamas’s internal security coordination. In addition, five members of Hamas’s political bureau and several senior figures in its military and administrative structures have been killed.
Despite Hamas’s efforts to protect its leadership, sources told the Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat that the group has established “revolutionary courts” to investigate suspected collaborators, with some executions already carried out. However, even the group’s tightened internal security measures have failed to prevent what appears to be remarkably accurate Israeli intelligence-led strikes.
How Is Israel Gathering Its Intelligence?
Sources in Gaza suggest that during the 58-day ceasefire, Israeli intelligence agencies used the relative calm to gather vital information on Hamas operatives using advanced surveillance drones, AI-powered analysis, and interception of Hamas’s internal communications.
Covert Devices and Tactical Surveillance
Israel reportedly deployed miniature drones to drop surveillance devices into Gaza and planted hidden cameras in key locations, some allegedly placed by undercover Israeli operatives disguised as civilians. These devices can match voices with older recordings, helping identify senior figures even when they relocate or go into hiding.
In parallel, Israeli ground forces are said to have infiltrated strategic areas to plant real-time tracking sensors, capable of detecting and transmitting the movements of Hamas commanders.
Public Ceremonies Used for Targeting
According to the sources, during public ceremonies held by Hamas to mark the hostage release deal, Israeli intelligence monitored the appearances of commanders and fighters, using the events to update its target list and gather valuable visual intel on top Hamas figures.
A Leadership on the Run
As Israel deepens its intelligence and operational efforts, Hamas is increasingly on the defensive. Reports from within the organization describe internal restructuring, shifts to underground bunkers, and heightened security protocols—but so far, Israeli capabilities have left Hamas leaders with few safe havens.
