An Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Friday targeted Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas’s military wing, according to Israeli officials. It remains unclear whether al-Haddad was killed or injured in the attack.
Hamas has not commented on the strike. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed that the military operation targeted al-Haddad, who leads the Qassam Brigades. They described him as “one of the architects” of the October 7 attack on Israel.
At least two Israeli strikes hit Gaza City on Friday evening, one targeting a residential building and another a vehicle. Health officials reported seven deaths and dozens of injuries, with casualties taken to the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s Saraya Field Hospital and Shifa Hospital.
The ceasefire agreement reached in October remains fragile, with near-daily Israeli fire reported in Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 850 people have been killed since the ceasefire began. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, is staffed by medical professionals whose records are considered reliable internationally.
Netanyahu and Katz warned that Israel will continue to pursue all those involved in the October 7 attack, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage. “Sooner or later, Israel will reach you,” their statement read. Since Israel launched its offensive in response, over 72,700 people have been killed in Gaza.
Further airstrikes followed the one targeting al-Haddad, though their targets were unclear. Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Israel has previously targeted Hamas members in Gaza, including the son of lead negotiator Khalil al-Hayya.
