Mahmoud Ezzat is the former acting supreme guide of the Muslim Brotherhood, currently imprisoned in Egypt.“Egypt: Wanted Brotherhood leader Mahmoud Ezzat arrested,” Gulf News, August 28, 2020, https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/egypt-wanted-brotherhood-leader-mahmoud-ezzat-arrested-1.73483156. A doctor by training,Eric Trager, Katie Kiraly, Cooper Klose, and Eliot Calhoun, “Who’s Who in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, September 2012, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/whos-who-in-the-muslim-brotherhood. Ezzat has been a member of the Brotherhood since his teenage years, and has served numerous jail terms for his opposition to the Egyptian government.Ahmed Raheem, “New Brotherhood supreme guide linked to “radical Qutb current,” Al-Monitor, August 21, 2013, http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/politics/2013/08/egypt-brotherhood-new-interim-supreme-guide.html#. In November 2015, Ezzat reportedly flew out of Egypt despite warrants issued for his arrest two years prior.“Brotherhood official on wanted list leaves Egypt,” Middle East Monitor, November 19, 2015, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/news/africa/22366-brotherhood-official-on-wanted-list-leaves-egypt. He was allegedly operating out of Turkey,Eric Trager and Marina Shalabi, “The Brotherhood Breaks Down,” Foreign Affairs, January 17, 2016, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/egypt/2016-01-17/brotherhood-breaks-down. but Egyptian police arrested Ezzat in Cairo on August 28, 2020.“Egypt: Wanted Brotherhood leader Mahmoud Ezzat arrested,” Gulf News, August 28, 2020, https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/egypt-wanted-brotherhood-leader-mahmoud-ezzat-arrested-1.73483156. Ezzat was sentenced to life in prison on April 8, 2021, for inciting violence after the July 2013 ouster of President Mohammed Morsi.“Egypt: Muslim Brotherhood leader gets life sentence on terrorism charges,” Deutsche Welle, April 4, 2021, https://www.dw.com/en/egypt-muslim-brotherhood-leader-gets-life-sentence-on-terrorism-charges/a-57139394.

Prior to Ezzat’s appointment to supreme guide, he served as the secretary-general of the Brotherhood and as a member of the Guidance Office.“Mahmoud Ezzat named Muslim Brotherhood’s new leader,” Al Arabiya, August 20, 2013, http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/middle-east/2013/08/21/Mahmoud-Ezzat-named-Muslim-Brotherhood-s-new-leader.html. Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram has described him as a “hardliner,” and Sa’d al-Din Ibrahim, an America-Egyptian professor and academic, has called Ezzat a “big enigma” and the Brotherhood’s “most dangerous man.”“Who’s who in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood,” BBC News, last modified April 28, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-23726995. Ezzat is characterized in Egyptian media as an “iron man” who stresses top-down decision-making.Eric Trager, Katie Kiraly, Cooper Klose, and Eliot Calhoun, “Who’s Who in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood,” The Washington Institute, September 2012, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/whos-who-in-the-muslim-brotherhood. As supreme guide, he is suspected to oversee the Brotherhood’s finances.“Who’s who in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood,” BBC News, last modified April 28, 2014, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-23726995. In a January 2018 interview with Egyptian newspaper Sawt al-Ummah, former Brotherhood leader Tariq al-Bashbishi claimed that Egypt-based Brotherhood members oppose Ezzat, who continues to completely control what remains of the Brotherhood organization and its resources.“Former Leader of the Brotherhood: This is Mahmoud Ezzat’s Relationship with the East Channel Crisis,” Sawt al-Ummah (Cairo), January 18, 2018, http://www.soutalomma.com/Article/747308/%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82-%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86-%D9%87%D8%B0%D9%87-%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%82%D8%A9-%D9%85%D8%AD%D9%85%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%B9%D8%B2%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%A3%D8%B2%D9%85%D8%A9-%D9%82%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D9%82.

In August 2017, a Cairo criminal court accused Ezzat of planning attacks within Egypt from abroad and added his name to the country’s national terror list.“Two leading Brotherhood figures among 296 names added to Egypt’s terror list,” Ahram Online, August 30, 2017, http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/276301/Egypt/Politics-/Two-leading-Brotherhood-figures-among--names-added.aspx. Among the attacks Ezzat is accused of coordinating is the 2015 assassination of Egyptian prosecutor Hisham Barakat, allegedly by members of Hamas alongside the Brotherhood. Ezzat is also accused of involvement in the deaths of Brigadier General Wael Tahoun in 2015 and Major General Adel Rajai in 2016.Clyde Hughes, “Egypt arrests Muslim Brotherhood leader Mahmoud Ezzat,” United Press International, August 28, 2020, https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2020/08/28/Egypt-arrests-Muslim-Brotherhood-leader-Mahmoud-Ezzat/7761598624135/; “Police arrest acting leader of Muslim Brotherhood terrorist group in Cairo,” Egypt Independent (Cairo), August 28, 2020, https://www.egyptindependent.com/police-arrest-acting-leader-of-muslim-brotherhood-terrorist-group-in-cairo/. Ezzat has twice been sentenced in absentia to death and to life in prison on espionage charges.“Egypt arrests Muslim Brotherhood leader in Cairo,” Al Monitor, August 28, 2020, https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/08/egypt-mahmoud-ezzat-muslim-brotherhood-leader-arrest-cairo.html.

Egyptian police arrested Ezzat on August 28, 2020, in an apartment in the Cairo suburb of Al Tajammu. Police also seized laptops and cellphones Ezzat allegedly used to communicate with the Brotherhood’s international leadership and membership.“Egypt: Wanted Brotherhood leader Mahmoud Ezzat arrested,” Gulf News, August 28, 2020, https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/egypt-wanted-brotherhood-leader-mahmoud-ezzat-arrested-1.73483156. A statement by the Brotherhood dismissed the arrest as “false political charges.”“Acting leader of Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood arrested in Cairo,” Reuters, August 28, 2020, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-egypt-politics/acting-leader-of-egypts-muslim-brotherhood-arrested-in-cairo-idUSKBN25O1C3. In September 2020, the Brotherhood named Ibrahim Mounir as its new acting general guide and reorganized its leadership structure.“Egypt: Wanted Brotherhood leader Mahmoud Ezzat arrested,” Gulf News, August 28, 2020, https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/egypt-wanted-brotherhood-leader-mahmoud-ezzat-arrested-1.73483156; “Muslim Brotherhood Statement on the Arrest of Acting Chairman Dr. Mahmoud Ezzat,” Ikhwanweb, September 3, 2020, https://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=32966. On April 8, 2021, an Egyptian court found Ezzat guilty of inciting violence and supplying firearms to protesters in 2013. Ezzat was sentenced to life in prison.“Egypt: Muslim Brotherhood leader gets life sentence on terrorism charges,” Deutsche Welle, April 4, 2021, https://www.dw.com/en/egypt-muslim-brotherhood-leader-gets-life-sentence-on-terrorism-charges/a-57139394; “Court sentences acting Muslim Brotherhood leader to life in prison,” Reuters, April 8, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN2BV1SE. On April 17, 2022, Ezzat received another life sentence in relation to a case referred to as “storming Egypt’s eastern border.”“Egypt sentences Muslim Brotherhood leader to life in prison,” Middle East Monitor, April 18, 2022, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20220418-egypt-sentences-muslim-brotherhood-leader-to-life-in-prison/. On May 29, 2022, Ezzat was sentenced to 15 years in prison for disseminating false news and inciting against state institutions. Ezzat was sentenced alongside Islamist leader Abdel-Monaem Abul Fetouh, who also received a 15-year sentence. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International claimed Fetouh and Ezzat’s trial was part of a government crackdown on dissent that targeted Islamist political opponents as well as pro-democracy activists, journalists, and online critics.“Egypt court sentences 2 aged Islamist leaders to 15 years,” Associated Press, May 29, 2022, https://apnews.com/article/politics-africa-religion-egypt-cairo-0c147cda28708d3a69214eaa2a128ff1. Ezzat has alleged mistreat in Egyptian prison, including more than a year of solitary confinement. According to a December 2021 leaked video from Ezzat’s trial, he alleged his cell opens briefly only for delivery of food.“‘I don’t breath fresh air,’ Mahmoud Ezzat reveals prison violations,” Middle East Monitor, December 25, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211225-i-dont-breath-fresh-air-mahmoud-ezzat-reveals-prison-violations/. Mounir died on November 4, 2022.“Deputy supreme guide of Muslim Brotherhood dies in London,” Middle East Monitor, November 4, 2022, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20221104-deputy-supreme-guide-of-muslim-brotherhood-dies-in-london/; “Acting leader of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood dies at 85 – statement,” Reuters, November 4, 2022, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/acting-leader-egypts-muslim-brotherhood-dies-85-statement-2022-11-04/. Later that month, the Brotherhood announced Mahmoud Hussein as its new acting general guide.Ikhwanweb, Twitter post, November 16, 2022, 9:50 a.m., https://twitter.com/Ikhwanweb/status/1592892835082149888; Ikhwanweb, Twitter post, November 16, 2022, 9:51 a.m., https://twitter.com/Ikhwanweb/status/1592893075382304769.

Zaher Jabarin is a senior leader of Hamas, and currently serves as the group’s top financial officer.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/. Jabarin was a convicted terrorist held in Israeli custody until 2011, when he was released as part of a prisoner exchange deal for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Following his release, he resettled in Turkey and rejoined Hamas as a senior leader.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/. He served as a senior military commander for Hamas, working with deputy Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri to promote terrorist operations in the West Bank.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. In 2012, Jabarin gave an interview to the Hamas-affiliated Al Quds TV about the group’s efforts to indoctrinate youth to become suicide bombers.“Zaher Jabarin, Hamas military commander, Talks About Indoctrination to Jihad,” YouTube video, posted January 20, 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qX4X07o56OA. In August 2017, he represented Hamas in a delegation meeting with members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Tehran.Dov Lieber, “Hamas said to meet with Iranian Revolution Guards in Tehran,” Times of Israel, August 8, 2017, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-said-to-meet-with-iranian-revolutionary-guards-in-tehran/.

As the top financial manager for Hamas, Jabarin has recruited individuals to facilitate money laundering operations for the group in Turkey.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. Two of these individuals, Turkish national Cemil Tekeli and Arab Israeli citizen Durgham Jabarin (no relation), were arrested in Israel in January 2018.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html; Anna Ahronheim, “Arab-Israeli, Turkish citizen arrested for aiding Hamas,” Jerusalem Post, February 12, 2018, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Arab-Israeli-Turkish-citizen-arrested-for-aiding-Hamas-542411. An investigation revealed that Zaher Jabarin had recruited Tekeli to help Hamas members set up businesses, acquire visas, and obtain commercial property in Turkey.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/. One of these Hamas members, another former Israeli prisoner named Salameh Mar’i, became Zaher Jabarin’s chief aide.Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html.

Zaher Jabarin and Mar’i both guided the financial activities of Durgham Jabarin, who was arrested three weeks after Tekeli.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. They reportedly disguised their contact as commercial activity for a Hamas-owned company called IMES.Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. Upon his arrest, authorities found that Durgham Jabarin was planning to transfer 91,000 euros to the West Bank, which were reportedly intended to be used to fund Hamas’s military infrastructure.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet accuses Turkey of allowing Hamas to raise, launder money,” Times of Israel, February 12, 2018, https://www.timesofisrael.com/arab-israeli-man-turkish-citizen-arrested-for-helping-to-fund-hamas/; Yoav Zitun, “Turkish law lecturer aided Hamas, deported from Israel,” Ynet News, February 12, 2018, https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5109465,00.html. According to Shin Bet, Israel’s internal security service, “investigation findings have revealed wide-ranging Hamas activity in money laundering in Turkey on instruction from Zaher Jabarin.”“Hamas Operations in Turkey,” Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, February 12, 2018, http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/ForeignPolicy/Terrorism/Pages/Hamas-operations-in-Turkey-12-February-20180212-53.aspx.

Gula Khan Hamidi is a U.S.-designated representative and facilitator for the Haqqani network, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The U.S. government accuses Hamidi of operating his own “facilitation network,” and since at least 2013, has worked to facilitate funds, communications, and travel for members and associates of the terror group. Additionally, Hamidi has facilitated the travel of other extremists, including associates of al-Qaeda and the Tahrik-e Taliban (TTP).“Treasury Sanctions Taliban and Haqqani Network Financiers and Facilitators,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 25, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0265.

According to the Treasury Department, Hamidi has transferred funds on behalf of the Haqqani network on multiple occasions, such as a 2013 transfer of $21,000 to a senior Haqqani leader. He also organized the transfer of funds to German members of the Haqqani network in Pakistan in early 2014, and “likely” helped the group transfer funds to a Pakistan-based Uzbek extremist that July.“Treasury Sanctions Taliban and Haqqani Network Financiers and Facilitators,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 25, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0265.

The U.S. government also accuses Hamidi of facilitating travel and communications for Haqqani network members. In 2013, Hamidi worked with two senior Haqqani network leaders––including Nasiruddin Haqqani, the son of the group’s founder, Jalaluddin Haqqani––to facilitate the travel of an associate to Turkey. The following year, he also facilitated the travel of an Uzbek member of the group and his associates between Pakistan and Turkey. Hamidi also facilitated communications between Haqqani network officials and their contacts in Syria in 2014 and 2015. Also in 2014, Hamidi served as an “honored representative” of the group in meetings with Syrian extremist group leaders in Syria.“Treasury Sanctions Taliban and Haqqani Network Financiers and Facilitators,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 25, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0265.

Additionally, Hamidi has worked to smuggle and coordinate the travel of individuals across Europe and Asia, including foreign fighters and members of other extremist groups. For example, in 2013, Hamidi facilitated the travel of two groups of foreign fighters from Turkey to Pakistan. In 2014, he facilitated the travel of al-Qaeda and TTP associates to Turkey. In 2017, Hamidi coordinated the smuggling of an Afghan national from Turkey to Syria, and of other individuals from Afghanistan to Europe. According to the U.S. Treasury, he has worked to smuggle individuals from Afghanistan to Syria, and from Turkey into Europe.“Treasury Sanctions Taliban and Haqqani Network Financiers and Facilitators,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 25, 2018, https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sm0265.

On January 25, 2018, the U.S. Treasury designated Hamidi as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.“Counter Terrorism Designations,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, January 25, 2018, https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/OFAC-Enforcement/Pages/20180125.aspx.

Mawlawi Abdul Rauf was one of five Taliban members to represent the group in the third round of unofficial peace talks with the Afghan government in Turkey in January 2018. Rauf told Afghanistan’s TOLOnews that the Taliban’s conditions had not changed since previous rounds of peace talks in 2017, but the Afghan government had since made some concessions. Rauf did not elaborate on the Taliban’s conditions, but he suggested that official peace talks would take place in the future, with more Taliban leaders present.Siyar Sirat, “Turkey Delegation ‘Represents All Taliban Factions,’” TOLOnews, January 14, 2018, http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/turkey-delegation-%E2%80%98represents-all-taliban-factions%E2%80%99; “Head of Taliban Delegation Mawlawi Abdul Rauf Talks On Turkey Peace Negotiations,” YouTube video, January 14, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2EAXOyUB-c.

Rauf stated that the delegation represented all Taliban factions––including affiliated groups like Quetta Shura and the Haqqani network––willing to negotiate directly with the Afghan government, as opposed to those “who want to talk through Americans.”Siyar Sirat, “Turkey Delegation ‘Represents All Taliban Factions,’” TOLOnews, January 14, 2018, http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/turkey-delegation-%E2%80%98represents-all-taliban-factions%E2%80%99; “Head of Taliban Delegation Mawlawi Abdul Rauf Talks On Turkey Peace Negotiations,” YouTube video, January 14, 2018, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2EAXOyUB-c. At the same time, however, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that the delegation in Turkey did not represent the group.Siyar Sirat, “Turkey Delegation ‘Represents All Taliban Factions,’” TOLOnews, January 14, 2018, http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/turkey-delegation-%E2%80%98represents-all-taliban-factions%E2%80%99; Ayaz Gul, “Taliban Denies Attending Afghan Peace Talks in Turkey,” Voice of America, January 14, 2018, https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-denies-attending-afghan-peace-talks-in-turkey/4207176.html.

Saleh al-Arouri was a U.S.-designated Hamas military leader and financier who was reportedly expelled from Qatar in June 2017.Sue Surkes and agencies, “Hamas commander involved in kidnap of Israeli teens expelled from Qatar,” Times of Israel, June 5, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-chief-said-involved-in-kidnap-of-israeli-teens-faces-expulsion-from-qatar/;
“Press release issued by Hamas concerning the claims of media outlets regarding the Qatari list,” Hamas website, June 5, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/771/press-release-issued-by-hamas-concerning-the-claims-of-media-outlets-regarding-the-qatari-list. Hamas elected Arouri as deputy leader of its political bureau in October 2017.Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams, “Hamas picks new deputy chief whom Israel blames for helping spark Gaza war,” Reuters, October 5, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-hamas/hamas-picks-new-deputy-chief-whom-israel-blames-for-helping-spark-gaza-war-idUSKBN1CA1NM. Arouri had facilitated money and weapons transfers for Hamas since the 1980s and helped found the West Bank branch of Hamas’s military wing.Ali Waked, “Hamas: Prisoner release unrelated to Shalit deal,” YNet, March 18, 2010, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3864782,00.html;
Matthew Levitt, “Hamas’ Not-So-Secret Weapon,” Foreign Affairs, July 9, 2014, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/israel/2014-07-09/hamas-not-so-secret-weapon. Arouri allegedly coordinated the June 2014 kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers in the West Bank, which sparked that summer’s conflict between Israel and Hamas.“In First, Hamas Official Takes Credit for Kidnap and Murder of Israeli Teens,” Jerusalem Post, August 20, 2014, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/In-first-Hamas-official-takes-credit-for-kidnap-and-murder-of-Israeli-teens-371703. He also reportedly created and ran Hamas’s bureau in Turkey until his expulsion from the country in 2015.Elhanan Miller, “Hamas official denies directing attacks from Turkey,” Times of Israel, December 22, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-official-denies-directing-attacks-from-turkey/;
Smadar Perry and Itamar Eichner, “Hamas leader expelled from Turkey,” YNet, December 22, 2015, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4742831,00.html. The U.S. Treasury accused Arouri of serving as “a key financier and financial facilitator for Hamas military cells planning attacks and fomenting unrest.”“Treasury Sanctions Major Hamas Leaders, Financial Facilitators and a Front Company,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 10, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0159.aspx. In November 2018, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice program offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Arouri’s arrest.“Rewards for Justice - Reward Offer for Information on Hamas and Hizballah Key Leaders,” U.S. Department of State, November 13, 2018, https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2018/11/287330.htm. Arouri also served as Hamas’s leader in the West Bank.Reuters and Jerusalem Post staff, “Haniyeh reelected to lead Hamas in internal elections – report,” Jerusalem Post, August 1, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/haniyeh-reelected-to-lead-hamas-in-internal-elections-report-675521. Arouri died in an alleged Israeli drone strike in Lebanon on January 2, 2024.Jacob Magid and Emanuel Fabian, “Reports: Hamas deputy leader abroad Saleh al-Arouri killed in alleged Israeli strike in Lebanon,” Times of Israel, January 2, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-deputy-leader-abroad-saleh-al-arouri-killed-in-alleged-israeli-strike-in-lebanon/; “Israeli strike in Lebanon kills senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri -security sources,” Reuters, January 2, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strike-lebanon-kills-senior-hamas-official-saleh-al-arouri-security-2024-01-02/.

Arouri became active with Hamas during the first Palestinian intifada (“uprising”) against Israel in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He became a founding member of Hamas’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, in 1991 and helped establish it in the West Bank.Anna Ahronheim and Khaled Abu Toameh, “U.S. offers $5m. reward for the capture of Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri,” Jerusalem Post, November 14, 2018, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/us-department-of-state-offers-rewards-for-info-on-hamas-and-hezbollah-571882; “Hamas’ Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades,” Australian National Security, accessed August 5, 2021, https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Listedterroristorganisations/Pages/HamassIzzal-Dinal-QassamBrigades.aspx; Ali Waked, “Hamas: Prisoner release unrelated to Shalit deal,” YNet, March 18, 2010, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3864782,00.html. Arouri became involved with Islamist groups while a student at Hebron University in the West Bank in 1985. He joined Hamas after its 1988 founding and began recruiting other university students. Israeli authorities first arrested Arouri in 1990. He was released five months later and returned to work for Hamas raising money.Matthew Levitt, “Hamas’ Not-So-Secret Weapon,” Foreign Affairs, July 9, 2014, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/israel/2014-07-09/hamas-not-so-secret-weapon. In 1992, he admittedly received $96,000 from a Hamas member and provided $45,000 to Hamas operative Musa Dudin for the purchase of weapons.Matthew Levitt, “Hamas’ Not-So-Secret Weapon,” Foreign Affairs, July 9, 2014, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/israel/2014-07-09/hamas-not-so-secret-weapon. Israeli authorities arrested him later that year, and an Israeli military court convicted Arouri for his “leadership role” in Hamas.“Treasury Sanctions Major Hamas Leaders, Financial Facilitators and a Front Company,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 10, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0159.aspx;
“Starved of Justice,” Amnesty International, June 2012, 35-36, https://www.amnestyusa.org/files/israelopt_starved_of_justice_060612-final.pdf.

Arouri would spend the next 15 years in an Israeli prison. In 1997, authorities issued two six-month extensions of Arouri’s sentence after accusing him of “conducting unlawful activities” from inside the prison, including maintaining “illegal contact” with Hamas operatives.Matthew Levitt, “Hamas’ Not-So-Secret Weapon,” Foreign Affairs, July 9, 2014, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/israel/2014-07-09/hamas-not-so-secret-weapon. In 1998, Arouri was convicted of a new charge of membership in Hamas.“Treasury Sanctions Major Hamas Leaders, Financial Facilitators and a Front Company,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 10, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0159.aspx;
“Starved of Justice,” Amnesty International, June 2012, 35-36, https://www.amnestyusa.org/files/israelopt_starved_of_justice_060612-final.pdf. In August 2004, a U.S. federal grand jury in Chicago indicted Arouri as a co-conspirator in a U.S. racketeering conspiracy to providing funding to Hamas.“Chicago and Washington, D.C., Area Men Among Three Indicted in Racketeering Conspiracy in U.S. to Finance Hamas Terror Abroad,” U.S. Department of Justice, https://www.justice.gov/archive/opa/pr/2004/August/04_crm_571.htm.

Upon Arouri’s release in March 2007, he renounced terrorism in an interview with the London-based Telegraph newspaper. He professed that there could be only a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.Joshua Mitnick, “Freed Hamas leader shuns terror tactics,” Telegraph (London), March 18, 2007, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1545919/Freed-Hamas-leader-shuns-terror-tactics.html. Israeli authorities rearrested Arouri three months later, reportedly on an administrative detention order.Matthew Levitt, “Hamas’ Not-So-Secret Weapon,” Foreign Affairs, July 9, 2014, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/israel/2014-07-09/hamas-not-so-secret-weapon;
Terrence McCoy, “The enigmatic Hamas leader allegedly behind the Israeli kidnappings that ignited war,” Washington Post, July 10, 2014, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/07/10/the-enigmatic-hamas-leader-allegedly-behind-the-israeli-kidnappings-that-ignited-war/?utm_term=.1dc8ec71533b. While in prison, Arouri was elected to Hamas’s prison shura (leadership) council.Matthew Levitt and Stephanie Papa, “Reality Contradicts New Hamas Spin,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, August 7, 2009, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/reality-contradicts-new-hamas-spin. Arouri was released in March 2010 on the condition that he leave Israel and the Palestinian territories. His wife and child had reportedly been stopped at the Jordanian border while trying to leave the West Bank, and Arouri accepted the terms in order to reunite with his family. He joined other Hamas leaders in Syria, which was then hosting Hamas’s political bureau.“Treasury Sanctions Major Hamas Leaders, Financial Facilitators and a Front Company,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 10, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0159.aspx;
“Starved of Justice,” Amnesty International, June 2012, 35-36, https://www.amnestyusa.org/files/israelopt_starved_of_justice_060612-final.pdf. Hamas has denied that Arouri’s release was related to negotiations over the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, whom Hamas had captured in 2006.Ali Waked, “Hamas: Prisoner release unrelated to Shalit deal,” YNet, March 18, 2010, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3864782,00.html.

In 2012, Hamas’s leadership fled Syria after the outbreak of that country’s civil war. Arouri first relocated to Turkey.Smadar Perry and Itamar Eichner, “Hamas leader expelled from Turkey,” YNet, December 22, 2015, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4742831,00.html. Arouri is suspected of building a Hamas bureau in Istanbul, from which he directed and financed Hamas military cells in the West Bank and Jordan, according to the U.S. Treasury. The Treasury accuses Arouri of facilitating the transfer of hundreds of thousands of dollars to Hamas’s militant activities.“Treasury Sanctions Major Hamas Leaders, Financial Facilitators and a Front Company,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 10, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0159.aspx. Arouri denied he was coordinating Hamas military operations from Turkey, but nonetheless stands accused of planning attacks against Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) in the West Bank.Elhanan Miller, “Hamas official denies directing attacks from Turkey,” Times of Israel, December 22, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-official-denies-directing-attacks-from-turkey/.

In June 2014, a Hamas cell in the West Bank kidnapped and murdered Israeli teenagers Eyal Yifrah, Gilad Shaer, and Naftali Fraenkel and Israeli authorities suspected Arouri of coordinating the abductions from Turkey.Avi Issacharoff, “Israeli official names Hamas leader abroad as suspect behind kidnappings,” Times of Israel, June 19, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/security-official-hamas-leader-abroad-likely-behind-abduction/. Hamas initially denied responsibility. That August, Arouri publicly praised the kidnappings as a “heroic operation” and claimed responsibility for them on behalf of Hamas.“In First, Hamas Official Takes Credit for Kidnap and Murder of Israeli Teens,” Jerusalem Post, August 20, 2014, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/In-first-Hamas-official-takes-credit-for-kidnap-and-murder-of-Israeli-teens-371703. Israeli NGO Shurat Hadin-Israel Law Center has made several unanswered requests to U.S. officials to extradite Arouri for his role in the murder of Fraenkel, who held dual U.S.-Israeli citizenship.Gil Hoffman, “Lawyers Ask Clinton, Trump to Back Extraditing Terrorist Leader,” Jerusalem Post, March 28, 2016, http://www.jpost.com/Arab-Israeli-Conflict/Lawyers-ask-Clinton-Trump-to-back-extraditing-terrorist-leader-449379.

Arouri has also directed Hamas cells in the West Bank to attack the PA, Hamas’s political rival. In August 2014, Israeli security services alerted PA officials that Arouri was allegedly planning a Hamas coup against the government.Mitch Ginsburg and Associated Press, “Abbas orders probe into Hamas coup plot revealed by Israel,” Times of Israel, August 19, 2014, http://www.timesofisrael.com/abbas-orders-investigation-into-hamas-coup-plot-revealed-by-israel/. In July 2015, PA security forces broke up several Hamas cells in the West Bank and arrested 250 people. Arouri was purportedly coordinating the cells to attack Israeli and PA targets.Avi Issacharoff, “Hamas plot to attack Israel, PA in West Bank foiled by mass arrests,” Times of Israel, July 19, 2015, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-plot-to-attack-israel-pa-in-west-bank-foiled-by-mass-arrests/.

In September 2015, the U.S. government designated Arouri as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) for his role in directing Hamas financial support and military operations.“Treasury Sanctions Major Hamas Leaders, Financial Facilitators and a Front Company,” U.S. Department of the Treasury, September 10, 2015, https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/Pages/jl0159.aspx. That December, the Turkish government expelled Arouri, reportedly at Israel’s request as part of a reconciliation agreement between the two countries.Smadar Perry and Itamar Eichner, “Hamas leader expelled from Turkey,” YNet, December 22, 2015, http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4742831,00.html. Arouri moved to Qatar, which was hosting Hamas’s political delegation, including then-leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal.Avi Issacharoff, “PA security raids Hamas cell planning attacks against Israelis,” March 8, 2016, http://www.timesofisrael.com/pa-security-raids-hamas-cell-planning-attacks-against-israelis/.

In early June 2017, international media reported that the Qatari government had expelled Arouri and other high-level Hamas leaders.Sue Surkes and agencies, “Hamas commander involved in kidnap of Israeli teens expelled from Qatar,” Times of Israel, June 5, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-chief-said-involved-in-kidnap-of-israeli-teens-faces-expulsion-from-qatar/. Hamas denied the reports, claiming that Arouri and other Hamas leaders voluntarily left the country.“Press release issued by Hamas concerning the claims of media outlets regarding the Qatari list,” Hamas website, June 5, 2017, http://hamas.ps/en/post/771/press-release-issued-by-hamas-concerning-the-claims-of-media-outlets-regarding-the-qatari-list. Arouri reportedly relocated to Malaysia, but Malaysian Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said that there is no evidence that Arouri is in the country. He added that Hamas leaders would be welcome in Malaysia if they “come in peace.”Timothy Achariam, “IGP: Nothing wrong with Hamas leaders visiting if they come in peace,” The Sun (Selangor Darul Ehsan), June 8, 2017, http://www.thesundaily.my/news/2017/06/08/igp-nothing-wrong-hamas-leaders-visiting-if-they-come-peace.

Less than a week after Arouri left Qatar, Israeli officials said he had relocated to Lebanon and was working with Qasem Soleimani, leader of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The Israeli Defense Ministry accused Arouri of trying to strengthen ties between Hezbollah and Hamas while planning attacks on Israel from Lebanon.“Liberman: Top Hamas operative is now in Lebanon, plotting attacks,” Times of Israel, June 9, 2017, http://www.timesofisrael.com/liberman-top-hamas-operative-in-lebanon-plotting-attacks/. Hamas elected Arouri as its deputy political leader on October 5, 2017. Despite his ascension, Hamas did not reveal Arouri’s location.Nidal al-Mughrabi and Dan Williams, “Hamas picks new deputy chief whom Israel blames for helping spark Gaza war,” Reuters, October 5, 2017, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-palestinians-israel-hamas/hamas-picks-new-deputy-chief-whom-israel-blames-for-helping-spark-gaza-war-idUSKBN1CA1NM. According to the U.S. government in November 2018, Arouri continued to live freely in Lebanon as of 2018.Amir Tibon, Jack Khoury, and Reuters, “Hamas Says Deputy Leader Will Remain in Position After U.S. Offers Up to $5m for Info,” Haaretz (Tel Aviv), November 14, 2018, https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/u-s-offers-up-to-5-million-for-information-leading-to-hamas-and-hezbollah-leaders-1.6654544. According to some reports, Arouri returned to Turkey in 2020.Ioannis E. Kotoulas, “Turkey continues to tolerate Hamas’ operations against Israel,” Jewish News Syndicate, November 30, 2022, https://www.jns.org/opinion/turkey-continues-to-tolerate-hamas-operations-against-israel/.

In September 2020, Arouri was part of a delegation that met with members of several militant factions in Beirut, including Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ)’s Ziad al-Nakhalah and Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah.Joe Truzman, “Hamas Admits Senior Official Salah al-Arouri has Contracted COVID-19,” Long War Journal, October 3, 2020, https://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2020/10/hamas-admits-senior-official-salah-al-arouri-has-contracted-covid-19.php. Later that month, he reportedly traveled to Turkey to meet with officials from Hamas’s political rival, Fatah.Joanne Serrieh, “Coronavirus: Hamas’ Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri Tests Positive for COVID-19,” Al-Arabiya, October 3, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/coronavirus/2020/10/03/Coronavirus-Hamas-deputy-chief-Saleh-al-Arouri-tests-positive-for-COVID-19. On October 1, 2020, Hamas announced that Arouri tested positive for COVID-19, and that he “has taken all necessary health measures, and shall remain isolated until his recovery.”Joanne Serrieh, “Coronavirus: Hamas’ Deputy Chief Saleh al-Arouri Tests Positive for COVID-19,” Al-Arabiya, October 3, 2020, https://english.alarabiya.net/coronavirus/2020/10/03/Coronavirus-Hamas-deputy-chief-Saleh-al-Arouri-tests-positive-for-COVID-19.

In February 2021, Arouri led the Hamas faction at a meeting of several Palestinian factions Cairo, Egypt, on achieving “national dialogue” on the upcoming Palestinian general elections.Khaled Abu Toameh, “Hamas Urges Abbas to Lift Gaza Sanctions to Facilitate Elections,” Jerusalem Post, February 3, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/arab-israeli-conflict/hamas-urges-abbas-to-lift-gaza-sanctions-to-facilitate-elections-657667; “Palestinian factions begin election talks in Cairo,” Times of Israel, February 8, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/palestinian-factions-begin-election-talks-in-cairo/. The meeting concluded with a commitment by Palestinian factions to hold the first Palestinian legislative elections since Hamas swept to power in 2006.“Palestinian elections on track after factions meet in Cairo,” Associated Press, February 9, 2021, https://apnews.com/article/israel-cairo-elections-mahmoud-abbas-west-bank-d73be39b2a1220a1cf8042e3183e027c/. Elections were scheduled for May 22, but Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas indefinitely posted the elections on April 29. Abbas cited Israel’s refusal to allow Palestinian in east Jerusalem to vote, but local analysts suspected the delay was because Abbas feared a Hamas political victory.Adnan Abu Amer, “Hamas rallies opposition to Abbas after elections pushed back,” Al-Monitor, April 29, 2021, https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/05/hamas-rallies-opposition-abbas-after-elections-pushed-back; “Fatah intensifies efforts to postpone elections fearing a Hamas win,” Middle East Monitor, April 20, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210420-fatah-intensifies-efforts-to-postpone-elections-fearing-a-hamas-win/; “Hamas: Delaying election will affect future of Palestine reconciliation,” April 28, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20210428-hamas-delaying-election-will-affect-future-of-palestine-reconciliation/.

In 2021, Hamas elected Arouri to serve as its leader in the West Bank during secretive internal elections. The appointment is for four years.Reuters and Jerusalem Post staff, “Haniyeh reelected to lead Hamas in internal elections – report,” Jerusalem Post, August 1, 2021, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/haniyeh-reelected-to-lead-hamas-in-internal-elections-report-675521. It is unclear when exactly Arouri’s election took place. Hamas began announcing its election results that March.Nidal Al-mughrabi, “Sinwar re-elected as Hamas chief in Gaza,” Reuters, March 10, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/sinwar-re-elected-hamas-chief-gaza-2021-03-10/. Former Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal was elected to lead Hamas’s foreign office and serve as Hamas’s deputy leader that April.Nidal Al-mughrabi, “Hamas elects former chief Meshaal to head diaspora office,” Reuters, April 12, 2021, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hamas-elects-former-chief-meshaal-head-diaspora-office-2021-04-12/; Aaron Boxerman, “Khaled Mashaal tapped as Hamas’s diaspora director,” Times of Israel, April 12, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/khaled-mashaal-tapped-as-hamass-international-director/. It is unclear when, but Arouri relocated to Turkey prior to November 2021. After Israeli forces broke up a Hamas cell in the West Bank on November 22, Israel’s Shin Bet security service accused Arouri and Turkey-based Hamas operative Zacharia Najib—released during the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner swap—of directing the cell from Turkey.Judah Ari Gross, “Shin Bet: Forces thwart major Hamas terror plans, nab more than 50 cell members,” Times of Israel, November 22, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/shin-bet-forces-thwart-major-hamas-terror-plans-nab-dozens-of-members/; “After Jerusalem killing and 50 terror arrests, Lapid urges Turkey to shut down Hamas,” Times of Israel, November 23, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/after-jerusalem-killing-and-50-terror-arrests-lapid-urges-turkey-to-shut-down-hamas/.

Arouri reportedly divided his time between Lebanon, Turkey, and Qatar. In December 2021, reports circulated in Israeli media that Hamas had created an official branch in Lebanon led by Arouri. The Lebanon branch was allegedly responsible for a pair of four rockets fired toward Israel from Lebanon during the May 2021 war between Israel and Hamas. According to news reports, Hamas decided to create the Lebanon branch after its 2014 conflict with Israel because Hezbollah declined to intervene on Hamas’s behalf. Based in Tyre, Lebanon, the branch reportedly recruits Palestinians living in Lebanon. Hezbollah has allegedly agreed to allow the branch to operate, though it reportedly maintains veto power over its actions.“Hamas said to form Lebanon branch to open new front against Israel,” Times of Israel, December 3, 2021, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-said-to-form-lebanon-branch-to-open-new-front-against-israel/.

Following an August 22, 2023, Israeli security cabinet meeting to discuss a series of recent terror attacks, Netanyahu announced the cabinet agreed on “a series of decisions to target terrorists and authorized the prime minister and the defense minister to act on the matter.”“Security cabinet meets as far-right advocates sharp crackdown in West Bank,” Times of Israel, August 22, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/security-cabinet-meets-as-far-right-advocates-sharp-crackdown-in-west-bank/. The government did not provide further details, but on August 27 Arouri warned Israel against resuming targeted assassinations of terrorist leaders. Arouri said resuming the assassinations could spark a regional war. He also said Hamas is preparing for a regional war alongside other parties, noting recent threats by Hezbollah leaders against Israel.“Senior Hamas official threatens ‘regional war’ if Israel resumes targeted killings,” Times of Israel, August 27, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/senior-hamas-official-threatens-regional-war-if-israel-resumes-targeted-killings/. On August 28, 2023, reports circulated in Lebanese media that Israel intended to target Hamas leaders—Arouri specifically—inside Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned of a strong Hezbollah response if it targets any Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian, or Iranian individual in Lebanon. Lebanese newspaper Nidaa al-Watan reported on August 28 that an intelligence delegation from a “friendly Arab country” planned to advise Hamas to have Arouri leave Lebanon.Tzvi Joffre, “Nasrallah warns Israel against targeting Hamas leaders in Lebanon,” Jerusalem Post, August 29, 2023, https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-756625. That month, Arouri told Lebanese news channel Al Mayadeen that Hamas was preparing for war. He dismissed threats against his life and warned that Israel would face an unprecedented defeat at the hands of the resistance axis.“Exclusive - Al Arouri: Resistance Axis preparing for all-out war,” Al Mayadeen, August 25, 2023, https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/exclusive---al-arouri:-resistance-axis-preparing-for-all-out.

Arouri’s prediction of a regional war manifested on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise mass attack on Israel. Hamas sent hundreds of fighters into Israeli towns and military bases within 15 miles of the Gaza border while simultaneously launching a rocket barrage toward Israel.Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2; Josef Federman and Issam Adwan, “Hamas surprise attack out of Gaza stuns Israel and leaves hundreds dead in fighting, retaliation,” Associated Press, October 7, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-rockets-airstrikes-tel-aviv-11fb98655c256d54ecb5329284fc37d2. Hamas labeled the attack Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.“Operation Al Aqsa Flood,” Hamas Online Telegram channel, October 7, 2023. As Hamas forces continued attacking Israel that day, Arouri told Al Jazeera the terrorist group had killed and captured many soldiers. He claimed Hamas had captured enough soldiers to secure the release of all Palestinian prisoners from Israel.“Hamas says it has enough Israeli captives to free all Palestinian prisoners,” Al Jazeera, October 7, 2023, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/7/hamas-says-it-has-enough-israeli-captives-to-free-all-palestinian-prisoners.

Hamas killed more than 1,200 Israelis in the attack and took hostage approximately 240 Israeli civilians and soldiers in Gaza.Peter Saidel and Dov Lieber, “Hamas Took More Than 200 Hostages From Israel. Here’s What to Know.,” Wall Street Journal, November 6, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-hostages-israel-gaza-41432124; Lauren Frayer, “Israel revises down its death toll from the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks to about 1,200,” NPR, November 11, 2023, https://www.npr.org/2023/11/11/1212458974/israel-revises-death-toll-hamas-attacks-oct-7. Speaking to Al Jazeera on October 12, Arouri insisted Hamas had preemptively struck Israel to prevent a larger Israeli attack against Gaza. He denied that Hamas had targeted civilians despite eyewitness accounts and video footage to the contrary. He stated that Hamas saw no alternative to victory.Gianluca Pacchiani, “Hamas deputy chief lies: We don’t target civilians, we only attacked IDF,” Times of Israel, October 12, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/hamas-deputy-chief-lies-we-dont-target-civilians-we-only-attacked-idf/; “This is What Happened in the First Three Hours of ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’: Saleh al-Arouri Reveals,” Palestine Chronicle, October 12, 2023, https://www.palestinechronicle.com/this-is-what-happened-in-the-first-three-hours-of-al-aqsa-flood-saleh-al-arouri-reveals/. Written orders recovered from the bodies of dead Hamas fighters as well as video testimonials of Hamas attackers showed that Hamas fighters had been directed to kill as many people as possible. The orders contradicted statements from Hamas leaders that the terrorist group targeted only soldiers.Dov Lieber and David S. Cloud, “Hamas Fighters’ Orders: ‘Kill as Many People as Possible,’” Wall Street Journal, October 14, 2023, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hamas-fighters-orders-kill-as-many-people-as-possible-2a6abff8.

Following the October 7 attack, Arouri remained one of Israel’s top targets, though he reportedly remained in Lebanon. On October 30, Israel demolished a home owned by Arouri in the West Bank town of ‘Arura. The IDF reportedly left a banner comparing Hamas to ISIS.Emanuel Fabian and staff, “IDF demolishes West Bank home of exiled senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri,” Times of Israel, October 31, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-demolishes-west-bank-home-of-exiled-senior-hamas-official-saleh-al-arouri/. On October 25, Arouri and other Hamas leaders met in Lebanon with leaders from Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hezbollah. The three groups reportedly discussed how to achieve victory over Israel. According to a statement on Hezbollah-run and Lebanese state media, the groups sought to achieve “a real victory for the resistance in Gaza and Palestine” and halt Israel’s “treacherous and brutal aggression against our oppressed and steadfast people in Gaza and the West Bank.”“Nasrallah, senior Hamas and PIJ leaders talk of achieving ‘victory’ over Israel,” Times of Israel, October 25, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/nasrallah-senior-hamas-and-pij-leaders-talk-of-achieving-victory-over-israel/.

During a November 22, 2023, press conference, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed he had instructed Israel’s Mossad spy agency to act against all of Hamas’s leaders abroad.“Netanyahu: ‘I’ve told Mossad to act against the heads of Hamas wherever they are,’” Times of Israel, November 22, 2023, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/netanyahu-ive-told-mossad-to-act-against-the-heads-of-hamas-wherever-they-are/. On January 2, 2024, the Hezbollah-linked al-Mayadeen reported that Arouri had been killed in an Israeli drone strike in the Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh in Lebanon.Jacob Magid and Emanuel Fabian, “Reports: Hamas deputy leader abroad Saleh al-Arouri killed in alleged Israeli strike in Lebanon,” Times of Israel, January 2, 2024, https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/hamas-deputy-leader-abroad-saleh-al-arouri-killed-in-alleged-israeli-strike-in-lebanon/; “Israeli strike in Lebanon kills senior Hamas official Saleh al-Arouri -security sources,” Reuters, January 2, 2024, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-strike-lebanon-kills-senior-hamas-official-saleh-al-arouri-security-2024-01-02/.

Talaat Fahmi is a former media spokesperson for the Muslim Brotherhood. In this capacity, Fahmi released numerous statements on behalf of the Brotherhood, including referring to the Egyptian government in June 2016 as the “Zionists’ henchmen.”“Muslim Brotherhood Media Spokesman: No Reconciliation with Criminal Coup Regime,” Ikhwanweb: The Muslim Brotherhood’s Official English web site, June 21, 2016, http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=32571;
“Muslim Brotherhood Media Spokesman: No Reconciliation with Criminal Coup Regime,” Ikhwanweb: The Muslim Brotherhood’s Official English web site, June 21, 2016, http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=32571. Fahmi is reportedly based in Turkey and was supported by the older generation of Brotherhood leaders.Mamoon Alabassi, “Rift widens in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood after spokesman’s sacking,” Middle East Eye, December 17, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-split-after-row-over-spokesperson-sacking-966712164. He was dismissed as the group’s spokesman in October 2021“Muslim Brotherhood renews confidence in deputy head Mounir,” Middle East Monitor, October 14, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211014-muslim-brotherhood-renews-confidence-in-deputy-head-mounir/.

In December 2015, Brotherhood members in London announced Fahmi’s appointment as spokesman, dismissing acting spokesman Mohamed Montasser.Mamoon Alabassi, “Rift widens in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood after spokesman’s sacking,” Middle East Eye, December 17, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-split-after-row-over-spokesperson-sacking-966712164. Exiled members of the Brotherhood reportedly supported Fahmi’s promotion while the Brotherhood’s Egypt-based youth wing preferred Montasser.Mamoon Alabassi, “Rift widens in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood after spokesman’s sacking,” Middle East Eye, December 17, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-split-after-row-over-spokesperson-sacking-966712164.l; “Egypt… “The Muslim Brotherhood” Splits into Two Groups,” Al Arabiya, December 20, 1016, http://www.alarabiya.net/ar/arab-and-world/egypt/2016/12/20/مصر-الإخوان-المسلمين-تتفكك-إلى-جماعتين-.html. Following Fahmi’s appointment, Montasser and his followers formed a Brotherhood offshoot outside the control of the Brotherhood’s old leadership.Mamoon Alabassi, “Rift widens in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood after spokesman’s sacking,” Middle East Eye, December 17, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-split-after-row-over-spokesperson-sacking-966712164.l; “Egypt… “The Muslim Brotherhood” Splits into Two Groups,” Al Arabiya, December 20, 1016, http://www.alarabiya.net/ar/arab-and-world/egypt/2016/12/20/مصر-الإخوان-المسلمين-تتفكك-إلى-جماعتين-.html. In December 2016, Montasser made statements concerning the Brotherhood’s internal affairs and claimed to speak on behalf of the Brotherhood’s youth wing.Mamoon Alabassi, “Rift widens in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood after spokesman’s sacking,” Middle East Eye, December 17, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-split-after-row-over-spokesperson-sacking-966712164.l; “Egypt… “The Muslim Brotherhood” Splits into Two Groups,” Al-Arabiya, December 20, 1016, http://www.alarabiya.net/ar/arab-and-world/egypt/2016/12/20/مصر-الإخوان-المسلمين-تتفكك-إلى-جماعتين-.html. In response, Fahmi claimed that Montasser was dismissed on December 14, 2015, and that the former spokesman does not speak for Brotherhood members in Egypt or abroad.Mamoon Alabassi, “Rift widens in Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood after spokesman’s sacking,” Middle East Eye, December 17, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/news/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-split-after-row-over-spokesperson-sacking-966712164.l; “Egypt… “The Muslim Brotherhood” Splits into Two Groups,” Al Arabiya, December 20, 1016, http://www.alarabiya.net/ar/arab-and-world/egypt/2016/12/20/مصر-الإخوان-المسلمين-تتفكك-إلى-جماعتين-.html.

Despite reports of early rifts over Fahmi’s promotion, Ikhwanweb, the Muslim Brotherhood’s website, continues to refer to Fahmi as the official spokesman.“Muslim Brotherhood Spokesman Statement on the Arrest of Three Women in Alexandria, Monday,” Ikhwanweb: The Muslim Brotherhood’s Official English web site, November 30, 2017, ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=32863.

On October 13, 2021, members of the General Shura Council of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood Abroad released a statement dismissing Fahmi as the Brotherhood’s spokesman. Council members renewed their “pledge of allegiance” to the Brotherhood’s general guide and his deputy and acting director, Ibrahim Mounir.“Muslim Brotherhood renews confidence in deputy head Mounir,” Middle East Monitor, October 14, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211014-muslim-brotherhood-renews-confidence-in-deputy-head-mounir/. The announcement followed an October 11 announcement by Mounir suspending six senior Brotherhood members who rejected the results of the Brotherhood’s internal elections.“Muslim Brotherhood suspends 6 senior members,” Middle East Monitor, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211011-muslim-brotherhood-suspends-6-senior-members/. The council says Mounir was now the only spokesman for the group, though a replacement for Fahmi would be selected.“Muslim Brotherhood renews confidence in deputy head Mounir,” Middle East Monitor, October 14, 2021, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211014-muslim-brotherhood-renews-confidence-in-deputy-head-mounir/.

Ahmed Abdel Rahman is a longtime member of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, currently serving as the head of its Office for Egyptians Abroad in Istanbul, Turkey.Eric Trager and Marina Shalabi, “Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood Gets a Facelift,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, May 20, 2015, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/egypts-muslim-brotherhood-gets-a-facelift. In his current role as head of the Office for Egyptians Abroad, he manages the affairs of exiled Brotherhood members, as well as the activities of younger leaders on the ground in Egypt.Georges Fahmi, “The Struggle for the Leadership of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, July 14, 2015, http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/07/13/struggle-for-leadership-of-egypt-s-muslim-brotherhood-pub-60678. Abdel Rahman is reportedly a medical doctor from Cairo.Georges Fahmi, “The Struggle for the Leadership of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, July 14, 2015, http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/07/13/struggle-for-leadership-of-egypt-s-muslim-brotherhood-pub-60678.

In 1981, Egyptian police detained and arrested Rahman for his participation in the Brotherhood.“Egypt Muslim Brotherhood Administrative Office Abroad Elects New Head,” Ikhwanweb: The Muslim Brotherhood’s Official English web site, April 7, 2016, http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=32082. He was arrested several other times, most recently in January 2011.“Egypt Muslim Brotherhood Administrative Office Abroad Elects New Head,” Ikhwanweb: The Muslim Brotherhood’s Official English web site, April 7, 2016, http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=32082. During the Arab Spring protests, on January 25, 2011, a group of Egyptians raided the Wadi el-Natroun prison in the Beheira Governorate, north of Cairo, freeing Abdel Rahman and 34 other Brotherhood activists who were imprisoned at the time.“Smuggling Morsi and the Thuraya Call…How did Al Jazeera Plan the Events of January 25,” Sawt al-Ummah (Cairo), January 25, 2018, http://www.soutalomma.com/Article/748885/%D8%AA%D9%87%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A8-%D9%85%D8%B1%D8%B3%D9%8A-%D9%88%D9%85%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AB%D8%B1%D9%8A%D8%A7-%D9%83%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%AE%D8%B7%D8%B7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AC%D8%B2%D9%8A%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%A3%D8%AD%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AB-25-%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%B1. Abdel Rahman served as a minister of parliament on behalf of the Brotherhood’s Freedom and Justice Party (FJP), which held power in Egypt between June 2012 and July 2013 under former Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi.“Muslim brotherhood apologies for Egyptians,” Middle East Monitor, April 23, 2015, https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20150423-muslim-brotherhood-apologises-for-egyptians/;
“Brotherhood official says group underwent broad restructuring,” Ahram Online, April 23, 2015, http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/128489/Egypt/Politics-/Brotherhood-official-says-group-underwent-broad-re.aspx.

Following Morsi’s overthrow, the Brotherhood split into competing factions, divided over how to guarantee the movement’s survival and achieve its political goals.“The Muslim Brotherhood: Sibling Rivalry,” Economist, June 16, 2016, https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21700673-egypts-main-islamist-movement-tearing-itself-apart-sibling-rivalry. Although based in Turkey, Abdel Rahman is reportedly aligned with the younger generation of activists on the ground in Egypt who believe that a more confrontational approach is the only way to ensure the Brotherhood’s survival.“The Muslim Brotherhood: Sibling Rivalry,” Economist, June 16, 2016, https://www.economist.com/news/middle-east-and-africa/21700673-egypts-main-islamist-movement-tearing-itself-apart-sibling-rivalry.

In April 2015, a group of exiled, Istanbul-based Brotherhood members announced the establishment of the Office for Egyptians Abroad under Abdel Rahman’s leadership.Georges Fahmi, “The Struggle for the Leadership of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, July 14, 2015, http://carnegieendowment.org/2015/07/13/struggle-for-leadership-of-egypt-s-muslim-brotherhood-pub-60678. In an interview with Al Jazeera later that month, Abdel Rahman revealed that the Office would help to manage the “crisis” that the Brotherhood faced in Egypt.Samuel Tadros, “The Brotherhood Divided,” Hudson Institute, August 20, 2015, http://www.hudson.org/research/11530-the-brotherhood-divided. The Office soon launched a social media campaign using overtly jihadist rhetoric.Abdelrahman Ayyash and Victor J. Willi, “The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood in 2016: Scenarios and Recommendations,” German Council on Foreign Relations, March 2016, 3, https://dgap.org/en/article/getFullPDF/27762;
“Brotherhood official says group underwent broad restructuring,” Ahram Online, April 23, 2015, http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/128489/Egypt/Politics-/Brotherhood-official-says-group-underwent-broad-re.aspx.

The Muslim Brotherhood’s official English-language website, Ikhwanweb, claims that the Office is “tasked with the management of the affairs and activities of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood abroad.”“Egypt Muslim Brotherhood Administrative Office Abroad Elects New Head,” Ikhwanweb: The Muslim Brotherhood’s Official English web site, April 7, 2016, http://www.ikhwanweb.com/article.php?id=32082. According to Brotherhood analysts, the Office facilitates the network of individuals and organizations opposing the military government in Egypt, and liaises with foreign donors and governments.Abdelrahman Ayyash and Victor J. Willi, “The Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood in 2016: Scenarios and Recommendations,” German Council on Foreign Relations, March 2016, 3, https://dgap.org/en/article/getFullPDF/27762.

Amr Darrag is an American-educated senior member of the Muslim Brotherhood currently operating out of Istanbul, Turkey.Robert Fisk, “Amr Darrag: Ex-Muslim Brotherhood minister in exile still believes Egypt's military regime can be replaced with 'moderate' Islamic rule,” Independent (London), May 5, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/amr-darrag-exmuslim-brotherhood-minister-in-exile-still-believes-egypts-military-regime-can-be-replaced-with-moderate-islamic-rule-10227129.html. He is a founding member of the Egyptian Brotherhood’s outlawed Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) on whose platform Mohammed Morsi ran for president in 2012.Nancy Messieh, “Profiling Egypt's New Ministers,” Atlantic Council, May 7, 2013, http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/egyptsource/profiling-egypts-new-ministers. Darrag served as Egypt’s former Minister of Planning and International Cooperation during the last two months of Morsi’s presidency.Robert Fisk, “Amr Darrag: Ex-Muslim Brotherhood minister in exile still believes Egypt's military regime can be replaced with 'moderate' Islamic rule,” Independent (London), May 5, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/amr-darrag-exmuslim-brotherhood-minister-in-exile-still-believes-egypts-military-regime-can-be-replaced-with-moderate-islamic-rule-10227129.html.

In the 1980s, Darrag reportedly developed an interest in the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood while studying for an engineering degree at Purdue University in the United States.Robert Fisk, “Amr Darrag: Ex-Muslim Brotherhood minister in exile still believes Egypt's military regime can be replaced with 'moderate' Islamic rule,” Independent (London), May 5, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/amr-darrag-exmuslim-brotherhood-minister-in-exile-still-believes-egypts-military-regime-can-be-replaced-with-moderate-islamic-rule-10227129.html; Eric Trager, Katie Kiraly, Cooper Klose, and Eliot Calhoun, “Who's Who in Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, September 2012, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/whos-who-in-the-muslim-brotherhood#AmrDarrag; “2013 U.S.-Islamic World Forum Speakers,” Brookings Institution, accessed June 1, 2015, http://www.brookings.edu/about/projects/islamic-world/usiwf-2013-speakers. He later recalled, “What attracted me was that these people had been exposed to a lot of suffering and torture and yet they held on to their principles. I asked myself: ‘Who are these people?’”Robert Fisk, “Amr Darrag: Ex-Muslim Brotherhood minister in exile still believes Egypt's military regime can be replaced with 'moderate' Islamic rule,” Independent (London), May 5, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/amr-darrag-exmuslim-brotherhood-minister-in-exile-still-believes-egypts-military-regime-can-be-replaced-with-moderate-islamic-rule-10227129.html; Eric Trager, Katie Kiraly, Cooper Klose, and Eliot Calhoun, “Who's Who in Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood,” Washington Institute for Near East Policy, September 2012, http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/whos-who-in-the-muslim-brotherhood#AmrDarrag; “2013 U.S.-Islamic World Forum Speakers,” Brookings Institution, accessed June 1, 2015, http://www.brookings.edu/about/projects/islamic-world/usiwf-2013-speakers. During the 1990s, Darrag continued to learn about Brotherhood founder Hassan al-Banna and the Brotherhood’s history, and in 1999, Darrag became actively involved in the Brotherhood’s political committee.Robert Fisk, “Amr Darrag: Ex-Muslim Brotherhood minister in exile still believes Egypt's military regime can be replaced with 'moderate' Islamic rule,” Independent (London), May 5, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/amr-darrag-exmuslim-brotherhood-minister-in-exile-still-believes-egypts-military-regime-can-be-replaced-with-moderate-islamic-rule-10227129.html. In 2005, Egyptian police arrested Darrag, holding him for five months, over his involvement with the Muslim Brotherhood.Robert Fisk, “Amr Darrag: Ex-Muslim Brotherhood minister in exile still believes Egypt's military regime can be replaced with 'moderate' Islamic rule, Independent (London), May 5, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/amr-darrag-exmuslim-brotherhood-minister-in-exile-still-believes-egypts-military-regime-can-be-replaced-with-moderate-islamic-rule-10227129.html.

Following the FJP’s creation in 2011, Darrag acted as the party’s secretary in Giza, Egypt, and as the chairman of its Foreign Relations Committee.Nancy Messieh, “Profiling Egypt's New Ministers,” Atlantic Council, May 7, 2013, http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/egyptsource/profiling-egypts-new-ministers. Between 2012 and 2013, Darrag served as the secretary-general of Egypt’s Constituent Assembly, which drafted and passed Egypt’s now-suspended post-Mubarak constitution.Mahmud El Shafey, “Egypt appoints nine new ministers in cabinet reshuffle,” Asharq al-Awsat (London), http://www.aawsat.net/2013/05/article55300966/egypt-appoints-nine-new-ministers-in-cabinet-reshuffle.

During the revolt against Morsi in June 2013, Darrag was reportedly in Moscow meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders. According to Darrag, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad voiced support for Morsi and sent his “best wishes.”David D. Kirkpatrick, “Army Ousts Egypt’s President; Morsi Is Taken Into Military Custody,” New York Times, July 3, 2013, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/04/world/middleeast/egypt.html; Robert Fisk, “Amr Darrag: Ex-Muslim Brotherhood minister in exile still believes Egypt’s military regime can be replaced with ‘moderate’ Islamic rule,” Independent (London), May 5, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/amr-darrag-exmuslim-brotherhood-minister-in-exile-still-believes-egypts-military-regime-can-be-replaced-with-moderate-islamic-rule-10227129.html Opinion pieces written by Darrag have appeared in numerous Western media outlets including the New York Times,Amr Darrag, “Egypt’s Blood, America’s Complicity,” New York Times, August 15, 2013, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/16/opinion/egypts-blood-americas-complicity.html?_r=0. Foreign Policy,Amr Darrag, “A Revolutionary Foreign Policy,” Foreign Policy, October 16, 2012, http://foreignpolicy.com/2012/10/16/a-revolutionary-foreign-policy/. and Middle East Eye.Amr Darrag, “Will foreign investors in Egypt have blood on their hands?” Middle East Eye, March 13, 2015, http://www.middleeasteye.net/columns/will-foreign-investors-egypt-have-blood-their-hands-1406176913. In these articles, Darrag has propagated his Islamist and anti-Western viewpoints.

In March 2016, Darrag proposed the separation of the Muslim Brotherhood’s da’wa (proselytization) and religious work from its political activities and temporarily refraining from political mobilization for a set period in an effort to de-escalate the mounting confrontations with the regime.Marc Lynch, “In Uncharted Waters: Islamist Parties Beyond Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood,” Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, December 16, 2016, http://carnegieendowment.org/2016/12/16/in-uncharted-waters-islamist-parties-beyond-egypt-s-muslim-brotherhood-pub-66483.

In a December 2016 Facebook post addressed to “my people, my brothers, my loved, ones, and my friends,” Darrag announced his retirement from political work and his leadership position within the Brotherhood.“The Brotherhood Leader His Resignation From Any Position Within the Brotherhood Group,” al-Islamiyoun (Cairo), December 22, 2016, http://islamion.com/news/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%88-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AC-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%87-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A3%D9%89-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%A8-%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86/. He allegedly wrote, “I would like to deliver to you all a decisive and final decision that I adopted a while ago. I was waiting for the appropriate time to announce it. It is my retirement from all forms of public work as a politician or administrative officer, whether in the Freedom and Justice Party or the Muslim Brotherhood.”“The Brotherhood Leader His Resignation From Any Position Within the Brotherhood Group,” al-Islamiyoun (Cairo),  December 22, 2016, http://islamion.com/news/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%AF%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%8A-%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%88-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AC-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%86-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AA%D9%87-%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A3%D9%89-%D9%85%D9%86%D8%B5%D8%A8-%D8%AC%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%A9-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D8%AE%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%86/. Later that month, Darrag told Arabic-language newspaper Arabi21 that though he stepped down from his leadership position, he remained a member and supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood.“Arabi 21 Talks with Amr Darrag After His Announcement of His Retirement from Public Work,” Arabi21 (Cairo), December 26, 2016, https://arabi21.com/story/973163/%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A21-%D8%AA%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1-%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%88-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AC-%D8%A8%D8%B9%D8%AF-%D8%A5%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%D9%87-%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%AA%D8%B2%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%85%D9%84-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85. Darrag has remained a vocal advocate for Egypt. Since 2014, he has served as chairman of the Egyptian Institute for Political and Strategic Studies, using that position to comment on international relations in both traditional and social media.Amr Darrag, LinkedIn profile, accessed February 15, 2022, https://www.linkedin.com/in/amr-darrag-6b2b49181/?trk=public_profile_browsemap_profile-result-card_result-card_full-click&originalSubdomain=eg; “Amr Darrag,” Egyptian Institute for Political and Strategic Studies, accessed February 15, 2022, https://en.eipss-eg.org/author/amr-darragen/. In particular, he continues to speak out against the Egyptian government and call for investigations into Morsi’s June 2019 death.Amr Darrag, Twitter account, accessed February 15, 2022, https://twitter.com/amr_darrag?lang=en.