The secretive shadow unit of Al-Qassam: A hidden force that baffles intelligence agencies
Hamas militants among whom the fighter in the black uniform is believed to be a member of Al-Qassam’s Shadow Unit
Omar Zaqzouq reports in in Al-Jazeera Arabic website, translated for The Palestine Chronicle on 22 January 2025:
The ‘Shadow Unit’ – Wihdat al-Thil – of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, has once again come into the spotlight after its involvement in the exchange of three Israeli female prisoners last Sunday.
This operation was part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The swift appearance and disappearance of the unit’s members after the completion of the exchange sparked significant attention on social media platforms. Users were particularly captivated by the distinctive black uniforms worn by one of the unit members, which stood in stark contrast to the military attire worn by the rest of the Al-Qassam fighters.
According to media reports and comments on social media, the Shadow Unit is known for its high level of military and psychological training, with exceptional skills in stealth and mobility. Some commentators noted that the unit is responsible for protecting Israeli prisoners in Gaza.
However, much of the details surrounding the unit’s operations remain shrouded in secrecy, with the Al-Qassam Brigades maintaining complete confidentiality due to the sensitive nature of its tasks.