The Israeli military has confirmed the killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas's military wing and one of the last surviving senior figures linked to the October 7, 2023 attacks that sparked the war in Gaza. According to Israeli authorities, al-Haddad was killed during an airstrike carried out on Friday, May 15, in Gaza.
Hamas Commander Held Key Leadership Role
Israeli officials said al-Haddad had risen to the top of Hamas's military structure after the reported killing of his predecessor, Mohammed Sinwar. He was regarded as one of the group's most senior remaining commanders before his death. The military also alleged that al-Haddad surrounded himself with Israeli hostages during the conflict to deter attacks against him, though Hamas has not publicly responded to that accusation, according to the Associated Press.
Family Confirms Death After Airstrike
Members of al-Haddad's family confirmed that he was killed in the strike alongside six other people. His funeral reportedly took place on Saturday in Gaza City, where mourners carried his body wrapped in Hamas and Palestinian flags. The development marks another major escalation in the ongoing conflict, as Israel continues operations targeting Hamas leadership despite a fragile ceasefire currently in place.
Israel's military leadership described the strike as a major operation against Hamas's command structure and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing individuals linked to the October 2023 attacks. Israel's chief of staff called the killing a significant operation and said Israel would continue pursuing its enemies to hold them accountable.
Gaza War Death Toll Continues to Rise
The conflict, which began after the October 7 attacks, has resulted in heavy casualties across Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 72,700 people have been killed in Israeli retaliatory strikes since the war began. Although the ministry operates under Gaza's Hamas-run administration, its casualty figures are widely cited by international organizations and humanitarian agencies.
Ceasefire Remains Fragile Amid Renewed Tensions
Despite an existing ceasefire arrangement that reportedly took effect in October, violence has continued across Gaza, with near-daily exchanges and airstrikes still being reported. Both Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violating the terms of the ceasefire, while negotiations over key issues such as Hamas's disarmament and hostage arrangements remain unresolved.
Al-Haddad Linked to Hamas Operations Since 1980s
Reports indicate that al-Haddad joined Hamas during the 1980s and later became part of the Qassam Brigades' Majd unit, which focused on identifying alleged collaborators with Israel. He also reportedly served on Hamas's Military Council, considered one of the group's highest decision-making bodies involved in strategic operations before and during the ongoing war.
Iran Reacts as Israel Continues Bombing
Previously, Legit.ng reported that Iran has objected to the continued bombing of Lebanon by Israel, adding that the recent ceasefire between it and the United States amid the ongoing war in the Middle East has not stopped the violence. President Donald Trump of the United States and Iran earlier announced a ceasefire, but the bombing has not ceased.
