Israeli forces have eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of Hamas' military wing and one of the last senior commanders involved in planning the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, through a targeted airstrike in Gaza City, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed.
IDF Statement on the Operation
In a statement posted on X on Saturday, the IDF said, "Following the elimination of Mohammed Sinwar, Haddad assumed his role and worked to rebuild Hamas' capabilities and planned numerous terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops." The Israeli military noted that Haddad took over after Mohammed Sinwar was killed and was deeply involved in holding many Israeli hostages in Gaza. The IDF added, "Haddad managed Hamas' hostage captivity system by surrounding himself with hostages in an attempt to prevent his elimination."
Additional Hamas Operatives Killed
Israeli forces also reported killing two other Hamas operatives, Hamer Iyad Muhammad Almatouk and Khaled Muhammad Salem Joudeh, in separate operations. The IDF accused both men of infiltrating Israel during the October 7 attacks and said they had recently attempted to carry out attacks against Israeli troops operating in the area.
Haddad's Long History with Hamas
According to the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), as cited by the Associated Press, Haddad was one of Hamas' longest-serving commanders, joining the organization during its early establishment in the 1980s. He maintained close ties with Hamas leadership and held several senior positions, including commander of the Gaza City Brigade and other units. He was also a member of Hamas' Military Council, a top command body that played a key role in planning the October 7 attacks.
Impact of the October 7 Attacks
The October 7, 2023 attacks resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel, with over 250 individuals taken hostage into Gaza, according to Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military offensive in Gaza, which has led to significant casualties and destruction.
Civilian Casualties and Ongoing Strikes
At least seven Palestinians, including Haddad, were killed and dozens injured in two Israeli airstrikes targeting a residential building and a civilian vehicle in Gaza City on Friday. Israel's military chief described the killing of Haddad as a "significant operation" and reiterated the country's commitment to pursuing its enemies to hold them accountable. The death of Haddad adds to the growing list of senior Hamas military commanders killed during Israel's offensive in Gaza. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government but staffed by medical professionals whose records are generally viewed as reliable, Israel's retaliatory strikes have killed more than 72,700 people.
Fragile Ceasefire
The killing comes as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile, with major issues such as the disarmament of Hamas continuing to stall progress in negotiations. Despite the ceasefire, which took effect in October 2023, Gaza has continued to witness near-daily Israeli strikes, with more than 850 people reported killed since then, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Both Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violations since the ceasefire began.
