Israel Claims Hamas Military Commander Behind October 7 Attack Killed in Gaza Airstrike
Israel Says Senior Hamas Military Commander Killed in Precision Gaza Strike
Israel on Saturday announced that it had killed senior Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in a targeted airstrike in Gaza, describing him as one of the key figures behind the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency said the strike was carried out in Gaza City and targeted Haddad, who was considered one of the highest-ranking remaining leaders within Hamas’ armed wing. Israeli officials claimed he played a major role in planning and executing the October 7 assault that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
According to Reuters and multiple regional reports, Hamas officials and mosque announcements in northern Gaza also confirmed Haddad’s death, although the militant group has not yet released a detailed formal statement publicly.
Who Was Izz al-Din al-Haddad?
Izz al-Din al-Haddad, also known as “The Ghost of Gaza,” was regarded as one of Hamas’ most influential military commanders and had reportedly survived several previous Israeli assassination attempts. He rose to the top leadership position of Hamas’ military wing after the deaths of several senior commanders during the war.
Israeli officials alleged that Haddad oversaw hostage operations and strategic military planning inside Gaza during the conflict. The IDF further claimed he used hostages as “human shields” to avoid assassination attempts.
Deadliest Blow to Hamas Leadership in Months
The strike is being viewed as one of Israel’s biggest military successes against Hamas leadership since the ceasefire efforts backed by the United States last year. Haddad is reportedly the most senior Hamas figure killed since the October ceasefire arrangement that temporarily reduced fighting in Gaza.
Local Gaza health officials said at least seven people, including women and a child, were killed in the airstrike that targeted a residential area in Gaza City. Several others were reportedly injured.
Latest Developments in the Israel-Hamas Conflict
- Israel says the operation was based on precise intelligence gathered jointly by the IDF and Shin Bet.
- Funeral prayers for Haddad were reportedly held in Gaza City on Saturday.
- Indirect ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain stalled.
- Israel has intensified military operations in Gaza in recent weeks following renewed regional tensions.
Regional Tensions Continue to Escalate
The latest strike is expected to further increase tensions across the Middle East as diplomatic efforts to secure a permanent ceasefire continue to struggle. Analysts believe the killing of Haddad could significantly impact Hamas’ military command structure, though concerns remain about renewed violence and civilian casualties in Gaza.
The conflict, which began after the October 7 attacks on Israel, has already caused massive destruction and a prolonged humanitarian crisis in the region.
