BREAKING: Hamas Chief Izz al-Din al-Haddad Eliminated
Initial indications suggest Hamas leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad, an architect of the October 7 massacre, was eliminated in a targeted Israeli airstrike on a Gaza safehouse.
The Israeli defense establishment assesses that the leader of Hamas's military wing in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, has been eliminated in a targeted airstrike. The operation was carried out by three fighter jets that dropped 13 munitions on a safehouse where he was staying in the Gaza Strip, after its location was compromised through intelligence sources. A senior security official stated that there are initial indications pointing to the success of the targeted assassination.
Al-Haddad, considered one of the architects of the October 7 massacre, assumed leadership of the organization in Gaza following the elimination of Yahya Sinwar. In recent weeks, he had been working to rebuild the terror group's chain of command, commanding remaining forces on the ground, and directing combat against IDF forces. Security officials noted that al-Haddad managed the hostages and deliberately surrounded himself with captives, including female lookouts (spotters) abducted from Nahal Oz, to shield himself from Israeli strikes. Hostages held in his vicinity, under his direct command were abused, starved and murdered,
Intelligence Tracking and Political Approval
Political approval for the operation was granted to the IDF approximately a week and a half ago. A security official explained that continuous intelligence surveillance was maintained on al-Haddad throughout this period, and the strike was executed once a specific operational opportunity with a high probability of success was identified.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement emphasizing:
"Haddad was responsible for the murder, abduction, and harming of thousands of Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers. He held our hostages in captivity with harsh cruelty, launched terror operations against our forces, and refused to implement the agreement led by US President Trump for the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.The IDF and the Shin Bet are effectively implementing the government's policy of non-containment of threats and thwarting our enemies ahead of time. We will continue to act with strength and determination against anyone who took part in the October 7 massacre. This is a clear message to all murderers who seek our lives: sooner or later, Israel will reach you."
Survivors Respond to the Reports
The Defense Minister personally updated the family of captivity survivor Liri Albag, who was previously held under al-Haddad's guard. Responding to the reports, Albag said, "He held us, we were in his tunnels, and he is one of the architects of October 7. He is responsible for a lot of suffering; he was the one responsible for our kidnapping and our captivity."
Another captivity survivor, Emily Damari, noted, "This is a very, very, very important closure for a lot of people. He thought out and planned October 7, he murdered my friends and many other dear people."
Home Front Instructions
Following the security events, the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council decided to cancel a family gathering that was scheduled to take place in the area. However, the Home Front Command clarified that, at this stage, there are no additional changes to the public safety guidelines.