Israel carries out strike targeting most senior Hamas military leader in Gaza
Israel carries out strike targeting most senior Hamas military leader in Gaza
Operation against Izz al-Din al-Haddad underlines ongoing conflict tensions
Israel carries out strike targeting most – In a significant development, Israel executed a targeted strike against Hamas’ highest-ranking military commander in Gaza, as revealed by a joint declaration from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. This action occurred even as a US-brokered ceasefire held in a precarious state, with both sides agreeing to pause hostilities but continuing to exchange fire in certain areas. The strike targeted Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a figure central to Hamas’ military operations, who has been accused of orchestrating the attacks that led to the October 7, 2023, incursion into Israel.
According to the statement, al-Haddad was held accountable for his role in planning the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, and for his involvement in the detention of hostages that followed. The Israeli government also alleged that he had failed to uphold the disarmament agreement led by former US President Donald Trump, which aimed to reduce Hamas’ military capabilities and demilitarize the Gaza Strip. The attack, which struck a residential building in the al-Rimal neighborhood near Gaza City on Friday afternoon, was confirmed by emergency services as a key moment in the ongoing struggle between Israel and Hamas.
The director of Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, reported that at least one woman and six others were injured in the strike, with one victim in critical condition. This incident adds to the mounting casualties in the region, where the conflict has persisted despite the fragile ceasefire. Al-Haddad, known as the “Ghost of al-Qassam” for his low-profile presence, has been a key architect of Hamas’ military strategies and is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the group’s hierarchy. His leadership of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ primary military wing, has made him a prime target for Israeli operations.
Al-Haddad’s position as a top decision-maker became even more prominent after the deaths of several other Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, his brother Mohammed Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif. These assassinations were part of Israel’s broader campaign to weaken Hamas, which has been a major adversary since the 2023 attack. A senior Israeli security official stated that preliminary reports indicated the operation had successfully eliminated al-Haddad, though Hamas has not yet confirmed or denied the claim. CNN, while unable to independently verify the casualty, cited the official sources as reliable in their assessment.
The strike underscores the challenges of maintaining peace in Gaza, where the ceasefire has been criticized as insufficient. While the agreement was signed in October, Israel continues to conduct airstrikes, citing the need to neutralize threats to its security. The military wing of Hamas, which has been responsible for many attacks, remains a focal point of these operations. The Palestinian Ministry of Health noted that over 850 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since the ceasefire began in mid-October, highlighting the ongoing toll of the conflict on civilian populations.
International perspectives on the ceasefire and Hamas’ role
Nickolay Mladenov, who previously served as the UN’s Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, commented on the fragile nature of the ceasefire during a press briefing. “The plan is clear: Hamas needs to step back from governance of Gaza, its weapons need to be decommissioned, and Gaza must be deradicalized,” he said. Mladenov emphasized that Israel’s full withdrawal from the territory depends on the fulfillment of these conditions, particularly the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a stable civilian administration. His remarks reflect the broader international concern over Hamas’ continued military activity and its ability to maintain control over the region.
“The plan is clear: Hamas needs to step back from governance of Gaza, its weapons need to be decommissioned and Gaza deradicalized.”
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has maintained its operations,
