Israel Confirms Hamas Armed Wing Chief Ezzedine Al-Haddad Killed in Gaza Airstrike

The Israeli military confirmed on Saturday that Ezzedine Al-Haddad, the chief of Hamas's armed wing, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza the previous day. The military described Haddad as "one of the last senior commanders in Hamas's military wing who directed the planning and execution of the October 7th massacre."

Throughout the war, according to the military, Haddad was involved in the holding of many Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity. He was also accused of overseeing the killing, kidnapping, and harming of thousands of Israeli civilians and Israel Defense Forces soldiers. The military added that Haddad orchestrated attacks against Israeli forces and refused to implement the agreement proposed by US President Donald Trump to disarm Hamas and demilitarise the Gaza Strip.

His death marks the latest in a series of targeted killings of senior Hamas leaders. With his elimination, the military said, the chain of command within Hamas's armed wing has been further decapitated. Haddad was reportedly among the last senior commanders still alive from the group that planned the October 7th attacks.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas on the confirmation of his death. The airstrike that killed him took place on Friday. No further details were provided about the location of the strike or whether any civilians were nearby.

Trump's proposed agreement – which Haddad allegedly refused – would have required Hamas to disarm and the Gaza Strip to be demilitarised. That proposal has not gained public traction with the group. With Haddad gone, the question remains whether his replacement will be any more willing to negotiate. In Gaza, as elsewhere, the answer is usually: another name, same position, same refusal.