Hamas Military Leader Targeted In Israeli Airstrikes In Gaza; Seven Killed, Several Others Injured

Last Updated:May 16, 2026, 03:18 IST

Israel airstrikes in Gaza targeted Hamas military chief al-Haddad, key October 7 planner, killing at least seven, Israel claims he was eliminated, Hamas has not confirmed

Israel carried out a series of airstrikes in Gaza on Friday targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of Hamas’s military wing, according to a joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. Al-Haddad’s condition was not immediately known, and Hamas did not comment on the strike.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said al-Haddad was among the key planners of the October 7 attack on Israel.

The strike hit Gaza City, where at least seven people were killed and several others injured, according to local health officials, reported CNN. One strike reportedly hit a residential building, while another targeted a vehicle. Those who suffered injuries were rushed to Al-Shifa Hospital.

The attack comes amid continuing tensions over stalled ceasefire talks and ongoing military operations in Gaza.

According to Israel, al-Haddad was the key figure and one of the “architects" behind the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, and for holding hostages in the attack’s aftermath.

Israel has also accused al-Haddad of refusing to implement the agreement led by US President Donald Trump to disarm Hamas and demilitarise the Gaza Strip.

According to emergency services in Gaza, the strikes by Israel also hit a residential building in the al-Rimal neighbourhood near Gaza City on Friday afternoon before a second strike targeted a car on a nearby street.

Who Is al-Haddad?

Al-Haddad is considered one of the key figures in Hamas. He is also known as the “Ghost of Al-Qassam" for the low profile he maintains. He is the head of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, according to a report by CNN.

After Israel assassinated Hamas’ other leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, his brother Mohammed Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif, al-Haddad was considered to be one of the militant group’s top decision makers.

A senior Israeli security official asserted that the strikes eliminated al-Haddad. However, there has been no confirmation from Hamas whether al-Haddad was killed or wounded in the strikes.

News world Hamas Military Leader Targeted In Israeli Airstrikes In Gaza; Seven Killed, Several Others Injured

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