Khaberni - The newspaper "Israel Today" described Tawfiq Abu Naim as politically experienced, a ruthless leader, a disciple of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, and close to Yahya Sinwar, noting that he is in an ideal position to lead the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip.
The newspaper - in an extensive report by Shahar Kleiman - mentioned that Abu Naim hinted at the October 7, 2023, attacks months before they occurred, saying that now, after the liquidation of most of Hamas's leadership, his first major test has already begun.
Less than a month before Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Abu Naim – a prominent figure in the leadership of Hamas in Gaza and one of the strongest men in the sector according to the Israeli newspaper – was the main speaker at a festival held in Al-Bureij camp to support Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
The man who would become in two years a prime candidate to rule Gaza - according to the newspaper - said in his speech that "the Palestinian resistance prioritizes the prisoners. This mass festival is in support of our prisoners in the occupation jails, and a message that their release is only a matter of time."
Israel Today mentioned that 4,000 Palestinian prisoners were released in three exchange deals involving 255 Israeli detainees, but four senior prisoners remained in Israeli prisons, namely Ibrahim Hamed, Hassan Salameh, Abdullah Barghouti, and Abbas Al-Sayed.
Possible Candidate
According to the newspaper, these four were potential candidates to succeed Yahya Sinwar, but their absence left a void in the movement’s leadership. However, they were not the only ones qualified, as there is Tawfiq Abu Naim (63 years old), born in Al-Bureij camp and among the prisoners released in the Gilad Shalit deal in 2011.
In his youth, he witnessed the 1967 war, and later spoke to a French doctor about his memories at that time. He studied at the Islamic University of Gaza, earning a bachelor's degree in Sharia Law, and later a doctoral degree, where he first met Sinwar.
In 1983, he joined a local Muslim Brotherhood cell, was a disciple of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, and with Sinwar and Ruhi Mushtaha, joined the "Al-Majd" apparatus specializing in the elimination of "agents." He was imprisoned by Israel, learned Hebrew there, and attempted to escape with Sinwar from prison, albeit unsuccessfully, according to the newspaper.
After 20 years, Abu Naim returned to Gaza, taking on several administrative positions in the Hamas government, including handling the files of martyrs' families and prisoners, accommodating refugees from Syria, and coordinating with other organizations, according to the newspaper and was soon promoted to one of the highest positions in the movement.
Under Sinwar’s rule, Abu Naim was entrusted with the responsibilities of internal security, police, and intelligence, forming close relations with Egyptian intelligence, especially with the official in charge of the Palestinian file, Ahmed Abdel Khaleq, and coordinating with him to establish security checkpoints on the borders between Gaza and Sinai, which enhanced his status in Cairo, according to the newspaper.
In 2017, Abu Naim survived an assassination attempt when a Salafist - according to the newspaper - planted an explosive device in his car during a tour in the Nuseirat camp, causing him moderate injuries, but he continued in his position until 2021, when he intended to run for the Palestinian Legislative Council elections before they were canceled by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Abu Naim later returned to head the "Wa'ad" foundation concerned with prisoners' affairs, and in March 2023, he stated to the "Palestine" newspaper that the coming days would be decisive, threatening escalation within the Israeli jails, especially in Ramadan, and after the October 7, 2023 operation, he disappeared from view, as the Israeli newspaper states.
Regaining Control
With the liquidation of Hamas's high command in the genocide war waged by Israel in the Gaza Strip, the newspaper sees Abu Naim being called back to leadership positions, when no members of the political bureau in Gaza remained except Mahmoud Al-Zahar, after the rest were either killed or left the sector, among them Khalil Al-Hayya.
Now - as Israel Today says - Abu Naim, in cooperation with the leaders of the military wing, plays a pivotal role in shaping "the day after" in the Gaza Strip, and thanks to his political experience, he might be the personality managing affairs behind the scenes, even if a technocratic administrative committee is formed.
The security apparatus built by Abu Naim is now being used to suppress those suspected of collaborating with Israel, like the clashes that erupted in the Sabra neighborhood with a "local militia," said the newspaper, accused by Hamas of collaborating with Israel.
The newspaper reminded that other armed groups accused by Hamas of collaborating with Israel are still in a position of strength, specifically mentioning Ashraf Al-Mansi in Beit Lahia who declared his forces are still active, and Hossam Al-Astal in Khan Yunis and Yasser Abu Shabab in Rafah.
The newspaper concluded that these groups are outside the initial stage of President Donald Trump’s plan, noting that the real challenge will begin in the second phase, when international forces enter the Gaza Strip to ensure a ceasefire, and Tawfiq Abu Naim faces his greatest test.
