IDF Strikes Hamas Military Commander in Gaza Airstrike

Israeli forces conducted an airstrike targeting Izz ad-Din al-Haddad in Gaza on Friday, according to a joint statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz. Haddad is the highest-ranking military commander of Hamas and the last leader of the October 7 massacre remaining in the Gaza Strip.

Senior defense sources told Walla that initial indications suggest the strike succeeded, though the IDF has not provided official confirmation. The Air Force carried out the strike after receiving intelligence from the IDF's Southern Command and Military Intelligence Directorate.

Haddad's location had been identified after years of military intelligence collection. Government officials approved the operation about 10 days before the strike. -Gen. Omer Tischler. The operation aimed to prevent Hamas from detecting unusual activity in the western Negev and Gazan airspace.

It sought to keep Hamas's military wing and Haddad's inner circle on low alert. -Gen. Itzik Cohen instructed forces to remain ready on land, at sea and in the air following the strike. Haddad has been a member of Hamas's military wing since its founding in 1987.

He was responsible for the murder, kidnapping and harming of thousands of Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers, according to the joint statement.

Haddad held former Gaza hostages with severe cruelty and launched terrorist acts against Israeli forces, the statement said. He refused to implement an agreement led by U.S. President Trump to disarm Hamas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip. Throughout the war, Haddad moved between hiding places, remained heavily involved in the hostage network and surrounded himself with hostages in an attempt to avoid strikes.

Under his command, Hamas murdered, starved and abused hostages to protect his personal security and ensure the survival of the group. The joint statement added that the IDF and Shin Bet are implementing government policy of not containing threats and defeating enemies ahead of time.

"We will continue to act forcefully and decisively against anyone who took part in the October 7 massacre. This is a clear message to all the murderers who seek our lives: Sooner or later, Israel will catch up with you," the statement continued. A fire burns in a residential apartment after Israeli shelling, according to the Ministry of Health, in Gaza City on May 15, 2026.