DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Friday targeted the leader of Hamas’ military wing, Israeli officials said, though it was not immediately clear whether Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed or injured.
Hamas did not immediately acknowledge or comment on the strike.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the airstrike targeted al-Haddad, who leads Hamas’ Qassam Brigades. They described him as “one of the architects” of the Oct. 7 attack.
At least two Israeli strikes hit Gaza City on Friday evening, one of which Israel said was aimed at al-Haddad. One strike hit a residential building and another targeted a vehicle, according to local health officials at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society’s Saraya Field Hospital and Shifa Hospital, where casualties were taken. Seven people were killed and dozens more were wounded.
Gaza has seen near-daily Israeli strikes despite a fragile ceasefire agreement reached in October. Since then, more than 850 people have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is part of the Hamas-run government but is staffed by medical professionals whose figures are widely cited by international organizations.
Since the ceasefire, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violations. Israel has continued targeting Hamas members in the enclave, including the son of Hamas’ lead negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya.
Netanyahu and Katz said Israel will continue operations against those involved in the Oct. 7 attack, in which militants killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Palestinian health authorities say more than 72,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel’s military campaign began in response.
