Israel says it killed the leader of Hamas’ military wing, one of the architects of Oct. 7 attacks
Associated Press
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Palestinians carry the body of a person killed in Israeli airstrikes Friday targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas Qassam Brigades, during a funeral outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Saturday, May 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)Palestinians pray over the body of a person killed in Israeli airstrikes Friday targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas Qassam Brigades, during a funeral outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Saturday, May 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)Palestinians carry the body of a person killed in Israeli airstrikes Friday targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas Qassam Brigades, during a funeral outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Saturday, May 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)Palestinians gather around a vehicle struck by an Israeli strike in Gaza City, Friday, May 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)Palestinians search inside a burning vehicle following an Israeli strike in Gaza City, Friday, May 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Palestinians carry the body of a person killed in Israeli airstrikes Friday targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas Qassam Brigades, during a funeral outside Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Saturday, May 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)
JERUSALEM – Israel says it has killed the leader of Hamas’ military wing, one of the architects of the Oct, 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the war in Gaza.
Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed in a strike in Gaza City on Friday, Israel’s army said. He was one of the last senior commanders in Hamas’ military who had directed the planning and execution of the Oct. 7. Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
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Haddad assumed the role after his predecessor, Mohammed Sinwar, was killed, Israeli officials said. On Saturday, Haddad’s family confirmed his death to The Associated Press.
His killing came as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile as key issues like the disarmament of Hamas stall the deal’s progress.
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