Israeli military forces launched an airstrike Friday evening in Gaza targeting a high-ranking Hamas military commander, according to statements from Israeli leadership.
The strike was aimed at Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who leads Hamas’ Qassam brigades, though officials have not confirmed whether he was killed or wounded in the attack. Hamas has not issued any response regarding the strike.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed their military conducted the operation Friday evening specifically targeting al-Haddad.
Gaza City experienced at least two separate Israeli strikes that evening. One hit a residential structure while the other struck a vehicle. Medical personnel at Palestine Red Crescent Society’s Saraya Field Hospital and Shifa hospital reported seven fatalities and dozens of wounded individuals from the attacks.
According to Netanyahu and Katz, al-Haddad played a key role as “one of the architects” behind the Oct. 7 attack.
The territory continues experiencing almost daily Israeli military action even with a fragile ceasefire in place since October. Gaza Health Ministry data shows over 850 deaths have occurred since that agreement. The Health Ministry operates under Gaza’s Hamas-controlled government but employs medical professionals who keep comprehensive records that international observers generally consider credible.
Israeli leadership warned they will persist in pursuing anyone involved in the Oct. 7 assault, during which militants killed approximately 1,200 people and captured 251 hostages. Gaza’s death toll has exceeded 72,700 since Israel began its military response to Hamas’ 2023 attack.
“Sooner or later, Israel will reach you,” their statement declared.
Local residents reported additional airstrikes following the operation against al-Haddad, though the military’s targets in those subsequent attacks remained unclear.
Both sides have accused each other of ceasefire violations since the unstable agreement took effect. Israel has continued targeting Hamas operatives within the coastal territory, most recently killing the son of Hamas’ chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya.
