Israeli military officials announced the killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a senior Hamas commander who played a key role in planning the October 7 attacks in Israel. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said al-Haddad, who led Hamas’ military wing, was also involved in the captivity of multiple Israeli hostages amid the current conflict in Gaza.
Al-Haddad replaced Mohammed Sinwar and was described by the IDF as a long-serving figure in Hamas, having joined during the organization’s early years. He maintained close ties with the Hamas leadership and was reportedly working to restore Hamas’ military capabilities before his death.
A statement from IDF chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir emphasized al-Haddad’s role in the hostage situation, noting that his name had repeatedly come up in conversations with released abductees, calling him a “master murderer.” The IDF said al-Haddad took protective measures by surrounding himself with hostages to deter Israeli attempts to kill him.
The IDF confirmed al-Haddad was killed in a “precise strike” in Gaza City on Friday. The Associated Press reported two Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City that day, targeting a building and a vehicle, resulting in seven deaths and dozens of injuries according to health officials from the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Al-Haddad’s family also confirmed his death to the Associated Press.
Why it matters
The elimination of al-Haddad represents a significant development in Israel’s efforts to target Hamas leadership linked to the October 7 attacks, which triggered a severe escalation in the Gaza conflict. His death may affect Hamas’ military operations and hostage negotiations, given his involvement in both planning attacks and managing hostages.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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