According to several reports published in recent days in Saudi and Emirati media, former Israeli prisoner Ali al-Amoudi has effectively become the central figure now leading Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip.

Some reports claim that al-Amoudi, considered a close associate of former Hamas Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar, was temporarily appointed “head of the movement in Gaza” following Sinwar’s elimination. The move is described as part of Hamas’s effort to rehabilitate its leadership ranks after nearly two years of war and a sustained Israeli campaign of targeted eliminations against senior Hamas terrorists.

The Emirati news site Aaram News, citing Hamas sources, reported that the organization’s leadership outside Gaza decided to appoint al-Amoudi to the role held by Sinwar during the October 7, 2023 massacre. Sinwar was later promoted to head of Hamas’s political bureau after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July 2024. According to the report, al-Amoudi has already begun acting in the role.