IDF announces killing of senior Hamas commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad, other militants linked to October 7 attack

International, Middle East

INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The Israel Defence Forces has announced the elimination of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, head of Hamas’ military wing and one of the last remaining senior commanders of the group, accusing him of playing a central role in the planning of the October 7 attack in Israel in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others abducted.

According to the IDF, al-Haddad assumed a top leadership position within Hamas following the elimination of Mohammed Sinwar and subsequently worked to rebuild the group’s military capabilities while coordinating multiple attacks against Israeli civilians and Israeli troops.

The Israeli military alleged that throughout the ongoing conflict, al-Haddad was directly involved in the captivity of several Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza and managed the group’s hostage detention system.

The IDF further claimed that the Hamas commander surrounded himself with hostages in an attempt to shield himself from targeted military operations.

In a separate operation, the Israeli military also announced the elimination of Hamer Iyad Muhammad Almatouk and Khaled Muhammad Salem Joudeh, described as senior Hamas operatives.

According to the IDF, the two militants infiltrated Israel during the October 7 attack and had recently attempted to carry out additional attacks against Israeli troops operating in the area.

The military also confirmed the killing of Abd al-Rahman Mahmoud Jumaa Shaafi, identified as a member of Hamas’ Bureij Battalion, allegedly involved in coordinating attacks against Israeli forces.

Meanwhile, reports emerging from Gaza indicated that burial arrangements were underway for al-Haddad and the other slain Hamas fighters.