Hamas has appointed Mohammed Ouda as the new leader of its military wing, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, following the assassination of Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, according to a report by Asharq al-Awsat. Ouda previously served as head of military intelligence for the brigades and was involved in planning and supervising the October 7 attack.

Ouda had reportedly declined an earlier offer to lead the military wing after the assassination of Mohammed Sinwar in May 2025. He was ultimately chosen in part because he is one of the last remaining members of Hamas's core council who played an active role in the October 7 operation.

A longtime figure within Hamas, Ouda began his work with the group around the time of the First Intifada in 1987 and served under former brigades chief Mohammed Deif. He has survived multiple assassination attempts over the years, often because he was not present at the targeted locations.