Israel says senior Hamas commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad killed in Gaza strike

Mourners hold pictures of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, commander of Hamas’ military wing, during a funeral procession in Gaza City on May 16, 2026. | Photo Credit: Dawoud Abu Alkas

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed the leader of Hamas’ military wing, one of the last surviving architects of the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks that triggered the war in Gaza, the Israeli military said on Saturday.

The Israeli military said Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed on Friday, describing him as one of the last senior commanders in the Hamas army who oversaw the planning and execution of the October 7 Hamas-led attacks. Approximately 1,200 people in Israel were killed in the attacks and more than 250 were taken hostage in Gaza.

Israeli retaliatory strikes killed more than 72,700 people, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The ministry is part of Gaza’s Hamas-run government, but its staff consists of medical experts who keep and publish detailed records that are generally considered reliable by the international community.

Ceasefire remains fragile amid ongoing violence

Al Haddad’s killing took place as the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remained fragile, with major issues such as Hamas disarmament delaying the deal’s progress. Despite a ceasefire that came into effect in October, Gaza remains exposed to Israeli fire almost every day, and more than 850 people have died since then, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Al Haddad was the last Hamas commander killed by Israel. Israel said he took on the role following the killing of his predecessor, Mohammed Sinwar. The military said Al-Haddad surrounded himself with Israeli hostages during the battle as a shield against a possible attack.

Funeral held in Gaza

Al-Haddad’s family confirmed to The Associated Press that he died along with six others during Friday’s strike.

His funeral was held in Gaza on Saturday. His body was draped in Hamas and Palestinian flags as it was carried by mourners.

Senior Hamas figure linked to October 7 attacks

He joined Hamas when it was founded in the 1980s and was a member of the Qassam Brigades’ Majd division, tasked with going after collaborators with Israel. He was also a member of the Hamas Military Council, the highest group of commanders who played a key role in the attacks that sparked the war.

Israel’s military chief called his killing a significant operation and said Israel would continue to pursue its enemies to hold them accountable.

Both Israel and Hamas have leveled accusations of violations since the shaky ceasefire was reached. Israel targeted Hamas members in the coastal region; the last of these was the son of Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya.

Released May 16, 2026