An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed senior Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a figure Israel identified as one of the remaining planners behind the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks that triggered the ongoing war.
The Israeli military announced Saturday that al-Haddad was killed in an airstrike carried out Friday in Gaza. Hamas later confirmed his death through spokesperson Hazem Qassem.
Israeli officials described al-Haddad as one of Hamas’ top military leaders and said he played a major role in planning and directing the attacks on southern Israel in October 2023, when approximately 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others were taken hostage.
Strike
According to the Israeli military, al-Haddad had recently assumed leadership responsibilities within Hamas’ military structure after the reported killing of Mohammed Sinwar, another senior commander.
Israel’s military said al-Haddad was among the highest-ranking remaining leaders within Hamas’ armed wing and accused him of operating near Israeli hostages during the conflict.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Commander Killed | Izz al-Din al-Haddad |
| Location | Gaza |
| Reported By | Israeli military |
| Hamas Response | Death confirmed |
| Strike Date | Friday |
Al-Haddad’s family also confirmed his death. Reports indicated that six other people were killed in the strike, including his wife and daughter.
Funeral gatherings were held Saturday in Gaza City, where mourners carried his body wrapped in Hamas and Palestinian flags.
Background
Al-Haddad was a longtime member of Hamas and joined the organization during its formation in the 1980s.
He reportedly served within the Qassam Brigades and was involved in Hamas’ internal security operations. Israeli officials said he was also a member of Hamas’ Military Council, one of the group’s top command bodies.
Israel considers Hamas a terrorist organization, along with the United States, the European Union, and several other countries.
The Oct. 7 attacks marked a major escalation in the conflict and led to Israel’s large-scale military campaign in Gaza.
Ceasefire
The current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains unstable, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
International mediators have continued efforts to preserve the truce, though negotiations have reportedly stalled over disagreements related to Hamas’ disarmament and future governance in Gaza.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 850 people have been killed in the territory since the ceasefire took effect in October.
The ministry, which operates under Gaza’s Hamas-run government, says more than 72,700 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began. International organizations often cite the ministry’s casualty records while noting the figures cannot always be independently verified during active conflict.
West Bank
Violence also continued in the occupied West Bank over the weekend.
The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli troops shot and killed a 34-year-old Palestinian man, identified as Hassan Fayyad, in the Jenin refugee camp on Saturday.
The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that Fayyad was shot in the thigh. Israel’s military said troops initially fired warning shots at an individual attempting to enter the camp and later opened fire when he did not comply.
Another fatal shooting was reported Thursday in the town of Eastern Lubban near Nablus, where Palestinian officials said a 15-year-old boy was killed by Israeli troops.
Israel’s military stated that soldiers responded after individuals allegedly threw rocks at Israeli vehicles.
Mosque
Palestinian authorities also reported an attack Friday on a mosque in the village of Jibiya, northwest of Ramallah.
According to local officials, unidentified individuals set fire to parts of the mosque and nearby vehicles. Security footage reportedly showed people pouring flammable material around the site.
| Incident | Location |
|---|---|
| Mosque fire | Jibiya village |
| Vehicle damage | Near Ramallah |
| Investigation | Ongoing |
Spray-painted Hebrew slogans were reportedly found on the mosque walls following the incident.
The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs condemned the attack and called for stronger international action regarding settler-related violence.
Israeli police and military officials said forces were sent to the area and an investigation remains underway. The Israeli military said it condemns attacks targeting religious sites.
Outlook
The latest developments come as regional tensions remain high despite international efforts to maintain a ceasefire and advance hostage negotiations.
Military operations in Gaza, violence in the West Bank, and ongoing political disputes continue to shape the conflict, which has drawn global diplomatic attention since the war began in October 2023.
Officials on both sides are expected to continue issuing updates as investigations, military operations, and ceasefire discussions move forward.
FAQs
Who was killed in the Israeli strike?
Hamas commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
What did Israel accuse him of?
Planning the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.
Did Hamas confirm his death?
Yes, Hamas confirmed the killing.
Where did the strike happen?
The airstrike occurred in Gaza.
Is the ceasefire still active?
Yes, but it remains fragile.
