Israeli Strike Kills Senior Hamas Commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel says it killed senior Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in an airstrike in Gaza. Israeli officials described al-Haddad as one of the final surviving architects of the Oct. 7 attacks. The strike comes as tensions continue despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Hamas Commander Killed Quick Looks
- Israeli military says Izz al-Din al-Haddad killed Friday
- Al-Haddad identified as senior Hamas military commander
- Israel says he helped plan Oct. 7, 2023 attacks
- Hamas family members confirm his death in Gaza strike
- Strike reportedly killed wife, daughter and others
- Ceasefire tensions continue despite October truce
- Violence also escalated in the occupied West Bank
- Israeli settlers accused of mosque attack near Ramallah
Deep Look
Israel Says Senior Hamas Military Leader Killed in Gaza
Israel announced Saturday that it killed senior Hamas commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in an airstrike in Gaza, describing him as one of the final surviving masterminds behind the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks that triggered the ongoing war.
According to the Israeli military, al-Haddad was killed Friday during a targeted strike in Gaza City.
Israeli officials said he played a central role in planning and directing the Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that killed roughly 1,200 people and led to the capture of more than 250 hostages.
One of Hamas’ Last Senior Military Commanders
The Israeli military described al-Haddad as one of the last remaining top commanders within Hamas’ military structure.
Officials said he assumed greater leadership responsibilities after the death of Mohammed Sinwar, another senior Hamas figure previously targeted by Israel.
Israel also accused al-Haddad of using Israeli hostages as human shields during the conflict in an effort to avoid assassination attempts.
Family Confirms Death After Gaza Strike
Al-Haddad’s relatives confirmed to The Associated Press that he was killed alongside six other people in the strike, including:
- His wife
- His daughter
- Additional family members and associates
His funeral took place Saturday in Gaza City.
Images from the funeral showed mourners carrying his body wrapped in Hamas and Palestinian flags.
Hamas Figure Linked to Qassam Brigades
Al-Haddad joined Hamas during the organization’s early years in the 1980s.
He later became part of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, and reportedly served in the Majd unit, which focused on identifying alleged collaborators with Israel.
He also held a seat on Hamas’ Military Council, one of the organization’s top command bodies.
Israeli officials say members of that leadership structure helped organize the Oct. 7 attacks that ignited the current war.
Gaza Death Toll Continues Rising
The war has devastated Gaza since Israel launched its military response following the Hamas attacks.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 72,700 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.
The ministry operates under Hamas governance but is staffed by medical professionals whose casualty figures are widely cited by international organizations.
Even after a ceasefire agreement took effect in October, violence has continued across the territory.
Gaza health officials say more than 850 people have been killed in Israeli strikes and military actions since the truce began.
Ceasefire Remains Fragile
The killing comes amid stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas over unresolved issues tied to the ceasefire agreement.
One of the major sticking points remains:
- The future disarmament of Hamas
- Hostage negotiations
- Long-term security arrangements in Gaza
Both sides continue accusing each other of violating ceasefire conditions.
Israel has continued conducting targeted operations against Hamas figures inside Gaza, including recent strikes tied to Hamas negotiators and military operatives.
Violence Expands in the West Bank
Tensions also intensified Saturday in the occupied West Bank.
Palestinian officials said Israeli forces shot and killed a 34-year-old man, Hassan Fayyad, in the Jenin refugee camp.
The Palestinian Red Crescent said he was shot in the thigh before being transported for medical treatment.
Israel’s military said troops fired after the man allegedly attempted to infiltrate the camp and ignored warning shots.
Separate violence earlier in the week included:
- The killing of a 15-year-old Palestinian in Nablus
- Settler attacks targeting a mosque near Ramallah
- Arson involving vehicles and religious property
Palestinian authorities condemned the mosque attack as a “terrorist act.”
Israeli police and military officials said investigations are ongoing.
Israel Continues Campaign Against Hamas Leadership
Israel has systematically targeted Hamas’ political and military leadership throughout the war.
The Israeli military says eliminating senior commanders remains central to preventing future attacks similar to Oct. 7.
Despite major battlefield losses, Hamas continues to maintain armed presence and influence inside parts of Gaza.
The latest strike underscores how fragile the ceasefire remains as diplomatic efforts struggle to secure a broader political settlement.
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