Multiple outlets report that an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City targeted Izz al-Din al-Haddad, described by Israel as the head of Hamas’ military wing (Qassam brigades) and as a figure Israel links to the planning of the Oct. 7 attacks. Initially, Israeli officials said the strike hit al-Haddad, but several reports noted that it was not immediately clear whether he was killed or only injured, with Hamas not providing an immediate public response.
Later reporting states that both Israel’s military and Hamas confirm his death. One account adds that al-Haddad took over leadership of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza last year and that Israeli officials portray him as a key architect of Oct. 7. Another outlet similarly reports claims that he was killed in the Gaza City strike, including references to the locations affected. Overall, sources agree on the target and that the strike occurred in Gaza City on Friday evening, while differing on timing of confirmation in the immediate aftermath and on some details about circumstances reported from the scene.
