Israel Targets Senior Hamas Military Leader in Major Gaza Strike

Israel on Friday said it carried out a major airstrike in Gaza targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, described by Israeli officials as the most senior remaining commander of Hamas’ military wing in the enclave.

The strike reportedly hit an apartment building and surrounding areas in Gaza City’s Rimal district, causing heavy destruction and multiple casualties. Palestinian health officials said at least seven people, including women and a child, were killed, while dozens of others sustained injuries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the operation specifically targeted al-Haddad, whom Israel accuses of playing a key role in planning and coordinating the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.

Al-Haddad currently leads the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades after the deaths of several senior Hamas commanders during the ongoing war. Israeli officials have described him as one of the last high-ranking Hamas military figures still operating openly inside Gaza.

As of the time of reporting, there has been no official confirmation from Hamas regarding al-Haddad’s condition or whether he was killed in the strike. Hamas has also not issued a detailed statement on the attack.

The latest strike comes amid renewed Israeli military operations across Gaza despite a fragile ceasefire arrangement brokered months earlier. Reports indicate that Israeli forces have increased attacks in recent weeks over claims that Hamas has been rebuilding its military capabilities and reorganising its fighters.

The war between Israel and Hamas, which began after the October 2023 attacks, has continued to fuel regional tensions and humanitarian concerns across the Middle East, with thousands of casualties recorded on both sides since the conflict erupted.