Israeli military confirms killing of Hamas commander Ezzedine Al-Haddad

The Israeli military on Saturday announced the killing of Ezzedine Al-Haddad, identified as the head of Hamas’ armed wing, during an air strike carried out in Gaza on Friday.

In a joint statement, the Israel Defence Forces and the Shin Bet internal security agency said Haddad was killed in what they described as a targeted operation conducted in Gaza City.

“The IDF and the ISA announced that yesterday, in a precise strike in the area of the City of Gaza, the terrorist Ezzedine Al-Haddad was eliminated,” the statement said.

Two Hamas officials also confirmed the development, stating that Haddad died after an Israeli strike hit a residential apartment and a civilian vehicle in Gaza City on Friday.

According to the Israeli military, Haddad was regarded as one of the remaining senior commanders within Hamas’ military structure and was allegedly involved in coordinating the October 7 attack on Israel.

The military further accused him of overseeing the detention of several Israeli hostages held by Hamas during the ongoing conflict.

“Throughout the war, Haddad was involved in the holding of many Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity,” the statement added.

Israeli authorities also alleged that Haddad supervised Hamas’ hostage detention network and intentionally remained close to captives as a strategy to avoid being targeted.