An Israeli military strike in Gaza City killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad, whom Israel identifies as the leader of Hamas’ military wing and one of the planners of the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks that sparked the Gaza war, the Israeli army said Friday.
Israeli officials said al-Haddad was among the last senior commanders in Hamas’ armed structure who had overseen planning and operations related to that assault. He reportedly took the role after the killing of his predecessor, Mohammed Sinwar, Israeli sources said.
Al-Haddad’s family confirmed his death to The Associated Press, the news agency reported Saturday.
The strike and announcement come as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains in place, with major disputes — including the question of Hamas’ disarmament — slowing progress toward a more durable deal.
An accompanying photograph shows Palestinians gathered around a vehicle struck by an Israeli strike in Gaza City. Photo credit: Jehad Alshrafi/AP.