The Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat published an extensive report on Sunday about the "Shadow Unit" of Hamas' military wing, which is responsible for holding hostages in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas sources who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat stated that the "Shadow Unit" was created in 2006, following the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. The abduction was carried out by Hamas terrorists along with other terrorist organizations in Gaza. The existence of the unit was only revealed in 2016 – five years after the deal for Shalit's release – when footage from his captivity in Gaza was published.
Terrorist sources said the unit was formed about three months after Shalit's abduction, following a series of attacks on locations where he had been hidden. Initially, the unit was composed of highly experienced terrorists, but over time, others were recruited, including members of Hamas' intelligence apparatus, the elite Nukhba unit, and other divisions. According to the report, these operatives received intelligence and technological training.
Hamas sources also stated that two senior leaders, Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar, were behind the decision to establish the "Shadow Unit." They added that most of the unit's original operatives were from the Khan Younis area.
According to the report, operatives in the "Shadow Unit" were also involved in launching rockets, digging tunnels, and other tasks, since their primary role was not always needed for extended periods. During the ongoing war, sources claimed that unit members received "round-the-clock instructions" to move hostages from place to place, both above ground and through tunnels. The report further states that Hamas terrorists disguised Israeli hostages in Arab women's clothing to facilitate their movement.
Hamas sources also revealed that strikes on tunnels forced operatives to transfer hostages from underground passageways to safe houses controlled by the "Shadow Unit." Another reported method involved using enclosed vehicles to create a diversion while transferring hostages to different locations. Additionally, some hostages were moved between identical vehicles of the same make and color, with multiple cars departing simultaneously to confuse trackers.
Meanwhile, following the public appearance of Shati Battalion commander Haitham al-Khujari on Saturday, Hamas sources claimed that he had survived three assassination attempts and was seriously wounded in one of them. However, they stated that he had since recovered over time.
