By Levina

As the United Nations General Assembly took a historic step on December 11th by passing a resolution titled “Protection of Civilians and Upholding Legal and Humanitarian Obligations,” which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, significant developments unfolded behind the scenes. The resolution garnered support from 153 countries, including India, while 10 countries, including the United States, Israel, and Austria, voted against it. Notably, 23 countries, including Argentina, Ukraine, and Germany, abstained from voting.

While the outcome was anticipated, what added a twist to the situation was the immediate response from Hamas leaders. As the global call for a ceasefire reverberated, reports surfaced that leaders of the militant group were quick to take precautions. Sources from Doha revealed that several Hamas leaders residing in safe havens in Qatar began switching off their mobile phones and discreetly relocating to unknown destinations. The reports, cited by KAN’s Arabic language channel, indicated a swift and calculated move by the leaders to avoid potential repercussions.

In a related development, KAN news reported on Tuesday that Saleh al-Arouri, a senior Hamas member, departed from his usual residence in Beirut, relocating to Turkey. The decision to leave came in the wake of the escalating international pressure for a ceasefire, further underscoring the strategic considerations and actions taken by key figures within the Hamas leadership. The Jerusalem post confirms the news.

Saleh is a senior Hamas figure and the founding commander of the organization’s military wing, Al-Qassam Brigade which carried out the October 7 attacks on Israel. Saleh is also said to be the deputy chairman of Hamas’ political bureau and Hamas’ military commander in the West Bank as of 2023, despite the fact that he currently resides in Lebanon. If KANS report is true then he’s being moved to Turkey from Lebanon. He is still the subject of a $5,000,000 reward from the Rewards for Justice Programme. According to the US government, al-Arouri was “a high-ranking Hamas military leader” dating back to his role as a Hamas student cell leader at Hebron University in the early 1990s.

Earlier on Dec 10th IDF had posted that more and more Hamas members are surrendering as they have lost contact with their leadership.

The dynamic events following the UN resolution highlight the intricate geopolitical dimensions and the swift responses of actors involved in the ongoing conflict. As the international community pushes for de-escalation, the movements of Hamas leaders suggest a careful recalibration of strategies in response to the changing diplomatic landscape. The unfolding situation in the aftermath of the UN vote adds a layer of complexity to the already sensitive and high-stakes geopolitical dynamics in the region.