Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem
Jerusalem, May 17: Israeli forces have announced the killing of senior Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in a targeted airstrike carried out in Gaza City, describing the operation as a major blow to Hamas’ leadership structure.
In a statement posted on X, the Israel Defense Forces said Haddad had assumed a key leadership role within Hamas’ military wing following the death of Mohammed Sinwar. According to Israeli authorities, he was involved in rebuilding Hamas’ operational capabilities and planning attacks against Israeli civilians and military personnel.
The Israeli military further alleged that Haddad played a central role in managing Israeli hostages held in Gaza and intentionally operated in close proximity to hostages to avoid being targeted.
Israeli forces also reported the killing of two additional Hamas operatives — Hamer Iyad Muhammad Almatouk and Khaled Muhammad Salem Joudeh — in separate military operations. The IDF accused both men of participating in the October 7 attacks on Israel and attempting recent assaults on Israeli troops.
According to Israeli security officials, Haddad was among Hamas’ veteran commanders and had been associated with the group since its formative years in the 1980s. He reportedly maintained close links with the organisation’s top leadership and served in several senior military positions, including commander of the Gaza City Brigade. He was also said to be a member of Hamas’ Military Council, a top decision-making body believed to have played a major role in planning the October 7, 2023 attacks.
The October 7 attacks resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel, while more than 250 individuals were taken hostage into Gaza, according to Israeli estimates.
Reports from Gaza indicated that at least seven Palestinians, including Haddad, were killed in two Israeli airstrikes on Friday targeting a residential building and a civilian vehicle in Gaza City. Several others were reportedly injured in the strikes.
Israeli military leadership described the killing as a “significant operation” and reiterated that operations against Hamas leadership would continue.
Haddad’s death marks another major loss for Hamas amid Israel’s ongoing military offensive in Gaza, during which several senior commanders of the group have been killed.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 72,700 people have been killed since the conflict escalated following the October 2023 attacks. The ministry, which functions under Gaza’s Hamas-run administration, is widely cited internationally for maintaining casualty records through medical and hospital networks.
The development comes amid continuing tensions surrounding the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Key disagreements, particularly over Hamas’ disarmament and hostage negotiations, have continued to hinder progress toward a lasting truce.
Despite the ceasefire that came into effect in October, Gaza has continued to witness frequent Israeli strikes. Gaza health authorities claim that over 850 people have been killed since the ceasefire began, while both Israel and Hamas continue to accuse each other of violating the agreement.