Izz al-Din al-Haddad Was Among Hamas’s Top Remaining Military Leaders
Israel’s military on Saturday announced that it had killed senior Hamas commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in an airstrike carried out in Gaza a day earlier.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Haddad was one of the last remaining top Hamas commanders allegedly involved in planning the October 7 attacks on Israel.
The Israeli military said he had taken over as chief of Hamas’s military wing after the killing of Mohammad Sinwar in an earlier Israeli operation in 2025.
Hamas Yet To Officially Confirm Death
While Hamas has not issued an official public statement confirming his death, reports quoting a Hamas official said Haddad was killed in the strike.
He is believed to be among the most senior Hamas figures eliminated by Israel in recent months amid the ongoing Gaza conflict.
A funeral was reportedly held in central Gaza for Haddad, along with his wife and 19-year-old daughter.
Israel Calls Him Key Architect Of October 7 Attack
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz said Haddad played a central role in the October 7 assault launched by Hamas militants in southern Israel.
In a joint statement, the two leaders accused him of being responsible for attacks, killings and kidnappings carried out during the assault that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
The IDF also alleged that Haddad had overseen parts of Hamas’s hostage operations during the conflict and used hostage locations as protection against targeted strikes.
Known Inside Hamas As ‘The Ghost’
According to reports, Haddad was nicknamed “The Ghost” inside Hamas because he had survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts over the years.
Israeli officials described him as one of Hamas’s longest-serving commanders who rose through the ranks after joining the organisation during its early years.
Fresh Gaza Strikes Continue
The announcement came as Israeli forces intensified military operations across Gaza.
Local medical officials said at least seven Palestinians, including women and a child, were killed in separate Israeli strikes on Friday.
Israel has increased attacks in Gaza in recent weeks, saying Hamas fighters are attempting to regroup inside the territory.
Ceasefire Talks Still Stalled
Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing a broader ceasefire and hostage agreement continue to remain deadlocked.
International mediation efforts backed by the United States have so far failed to produce a permanent breakthrough in the conflict, which has continued for nearly two years.
