Israel kills top Hamas military commander in Gaza City strike
Israel has eliminated Hamas’s most senior military commander in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, in a precision airstrike, describing the operation as a major blow to the group’s remaining leadership.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security agency announced on Saturday that al-Haddad, also known as Abu Suhaib and nicknamed “the Ghost”, was killed in the al-Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City on Friday night.
Mourners assembled in Gaza City for the funeral of Hamas Qassam Brigades commander Izz al-Din Al-Haddad, along with his wife and daughter (X.com)
Al-Haddad had assumed command of Hamas’s military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and become the group’s de facto senior figure in Gaza after the death of Mohammed Sinwar in May 2025. Israeli officials said he was one of the last surviving architects of the October 7, 2023 massacre in southern Israel.
The IDF stated that al-Haddad played a central role in planning the attacks, rebuilding Hamas’s military capabilities after the war began, directing operations against Israeli forces, and overseeing the captivity of hostages. IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir called the strike “an important closing of a circle”, noting that returned hostages had repeatedly identified al-Haddad as one of Hamas’s most brutal and feared figures.
Al-Haddad, born in Gaza in 1970, joined Hamas in 1987 and rose through its ranks to become Gaza City Brigade commander. Known for his operational secrecy and fluency in Hebrew, he had survived several previous Israeli assassination attempts and was long one of Israel’s most wanted targets.
Hamas and family members confirmed his death. He was killed alongside his wife and at least one daughter. Gaza health officials said at least seven people were killed in the strike on the residential building. Funeral processions in Gaza City on Saturday showed large crowds carrying his body wrapped in a Hamas flag.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz signalled the operation on Friday, emphasising al-Haddad’s direct responsibility for the October 7 attacks and his rejection of ceasefire proposals that included Hamas disarmament.
The killing comes as Israel continues targeted operations in Gaza despite a fragile US-brokered ceasefire. It is considered one of the most significant targeted assassinations since the current war began in October 2023.
