Hamas confirms death of Qassam Brigades leader in Israeli airstrike

Seven people were killed in an Israeli attack on Gaza, targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of Hamas’s armed wing. The Palestinian group confirmed the killing and condemned Israel’s actions as a “treacherous and cowardly assassination”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that their forces had targeted and killed al-Haddad, describing him as one of the architects of October 7, 2023, attacks. Al-Haddad was reportedly killed along with his wife, daughter, and other Palestinian civilians in the Remal neighbourhood west of Gaza City.

Three Palestinians were killed in a strike on a civilian vehicle, and four others died in a strike on a building, according to medical sources. Three women and a baby were among those killed, while dozens of people were wounded. The attack caused panic at the scene, with many Palestinians forced to flee due to the massive fire engulfing a residential building.

Hamas stated that al-Haddad’s killing marks the latest Israeli breach of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and its “ongoing aggression against innocent civilians” in the enclave. The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement also mourned al-Haddad, praising his sacrifices and struggle.

In recent months, Israel has killed several senior Hamas commanders, including Raed Saad, who was killed last December. Since the Gaza ceasefire began in October, the death toll from Israeli attacks has reached 870, with over 2,500 injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Source: Al Jazeera