Hamas Military Wing Chief Ezz al-Din al-Haddad Killed in Israeli Strike, IDF Says

The IDF Spokesperson and the Shin Bet said today (*Shabbat*) that in a precise strike carried out last night in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, the terrorist Ezz al-Din al-Haddad was killed — the head of Hamas’s military wing and one of the architects of the October 7 massacre.

Al-Haddad was appointed to the role after the killing of Mohammed Sinwar. In a statement, security officials said that "over the recent period, he worked to rebuild the capabilities of the terror organization’s military wing, while also planning numerous terror attacks against civilians of the State of Israel and IDF forces. Throughout the war, al-Haddad was involved in the holding of many Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity. In addition, he managed the hostage-holding mechanism in captivity and even surrounded himself with Israeli hostages in order to prevent his assassination."

Al-Haddad was one of the organization’s most veteran commanders. He joined its ranks during its founding period and was considered especially close to the Hamas leadership. During his time in the organization, he played a central role in its terrorist rule and held a series of key positions, including commander of the Gaza City Brigade and commander of additional units.

He was one of the last senior commanders in Hamas’s military wing who oversaw the planning and execution of the October 7 massacre, as well as the management of the fighting against IDF forces. His killing joins that of many Hamas senior figures over the course of the war.

Sources in Hamas confirmed to the Saudi newspaper "Asharq Al-Awsat" that Ezz al-Din al-Haddad was killed in the Israeli strike last night. He was buried in Gaza today.

The strike targeting the senior terrorist was carried out after surveillance and after intelligence was verified indicating that he was in the apartment that was attacked. It was carried out by three fighter jets, and 13 munitions were used.

Following the killing, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir held a situational assessment and instructed Southern Command to maintain high operational readiness and respond immediately to any attempt to harm our forces or the territory of the State of Israel. "This is a significant operational success and an important closing of the circle," Zamir said. "In every conversation I held with hostages who returned, the name Ezz al-Din al-Haddad came up again and again. The IDF will continue to strike and settle accounts with everyone who took part in the October 7 massacre. We will not relent until we reach all of them."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister ישראל כ"ץ issued a joint statement: "On the instruction of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister ישראל כ"ץ, the IDF struck in Gaza the arch-murderer Ezz al-Din al-Haddad — the leader of Hamas’s military wing and one of the architects of the October 7 massacre. Haddad was responsible for the murder, abduction, and harming of thousands of Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. He held our hostages in captivity with great cruelty, directed terror operations against our forces, and refused to implement the agreement led by U.S. President Trump for Hamas to disarm and for the Gaza Strip to be demilitarized."

"The IDF and Shin Bet are effectively carrying out the government’s policy of not containing threats and thwarting our enemies in advance. We will continue to act with force and determination against everyone who took part in the October 7 massacre. This is a clear message to all the murderers seeking our lives: sooner or later, Israel will reach you."

Liri Albag, who was held by al-Haddad in Hamas captivity, said after news of the killing became known: "Every dog has its day." Another captivity survivor, Emily Damari, wrote on her Instagram account that "It’s official, Ezz al-Din Haddad has been eliminated!!!!!! Thank you to all the security forces and everyone involved in the effort. This is a very important closing of the circle for so many people. He murdered my friends and many other dear people, he planned my abduction, and he also held me in Hamas tunnels. With Hashem’s help, we will get to every one of these terrorists."

It should be noted that now, with Haddad’s killing, only one member remains in Hamas’s October 7 leadership. That is Mohammed Awda, head of the intelligence apparatus in Hamas’s military wing. So far, the IDF and Shin Bet have killed Yahya Sinwar — head of the Hamas movement; Mohammed Deif — head of Hamas’s military wing; Mohammed Sinwar — deputy head of Hamas’s military wing; Marwan Issa — deputy commander general; and Raad Saad — head of Hamas’s operations apparatus.

Also killed were Ahmed al-Ghandour — commander of the Northern Gaza Brigade, Ayman Nofal — commander of the Central Brigade, Rafa Salameh — commander of the Khan Younis Brigade, Mohammed Shabana — commander of the Rafah Brigade, Raad Thabet — head of the supply apparatus, Ghazi Abu Tamaa — head of the combat support apparatus, Ayman Siam — commander of the rocket array, Abu Obeida — Hudhaifa Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout — Hamas’s previous military spokesperson.