Israel Targets Hamas Military Leader in Gaza Airstrike
Israel conducted an airstrike in Gaza targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, Hamas' military wing leader, amid ongoing ceasefire tensions.
On May 15, 2026, Israel carried out an airstrike in Gaza City targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas' military wing, the Qassam Brigades. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that al-Haddad was a key figure behind the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages.
The airstrike hit a residential building in the al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City. Local health officials reported seven fatalities and numerous injuries from the attack. Hamas has not issued a statement regarding the incident.
Al-Haddad, known as the "Ghost of al-Qassam" for his low profile, has been a prominent figure in Hamas since joining in 1987. He assumed leadership of the Qassam Brigades in May 2025 following the assassination of his predecessor, Mohammed Sinwar.
This operation occurred despite a US-brokered ceasefire in place since October 2025. Israeli forces have continued operations in Gaza, citing threats from Hamas. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports over 72,700 deaths in Gaza since the Israeli offensive began.
Nickolay Mladenov, overseeing the ceasefire's implementation, acknowledged the truce's imperfections, emphasizing that Hamas' disarmament remains a significant challenge. He stated, "The plan is clear: Hamas needs to step back from governance of Gaza, its weapons need to be decommissioned and Gaza deradicalized."