A senior Hamas official has reportedly confirmed that the group’s military chief, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, died following Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. The development has intensified tensions in the region as indirect negotiations over Gaza’s future remain stalled. The phrase “Hamas military chief killed” quickly gained attention after the announcement circulated on Saturday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel had targeted Haddad during recent military operations in Gaza. Defence Minister Israel Katz also confirmed the operation, although Israeli officials stopped short of officially declaring him dead. Witnesses in Gaza City reported that mosques announced Haddad’s martyrdom shortly after the strikes.
According to Hamas sources, Haddad had become the military leader in Gaza after the death of Mohammad Sinwar in 2025. Israeli authorities accused him of playing a major role in the October 7, 2023 attacks that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. Israeli officials described him as one of the central figures behind attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.
The reported death of Haddad marks another significant moment in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. If confirmed publicly by Hamas, he would become the highest-ranking Hamas figure killed since the ceasefire agreement supported by the United States earlier this year. The “Hamas military chief killed” reports have added further uncertainty to already fragile diplomatic efforts.
Medical officials in Gaza said at least seven people, including women and a child, were killed in the Israeli airstrikes that targeted an apartment building and a vehicle. More than 50 others were reportedly injured. It remains unclear whether Haddad was among those killed directly in the attack.
Meanwhile, indirect negotiations involving the United States, Israel, and Hamas continue without a breakthrough. U.S. President Donald Trump has promoted a post-war plan for Gaza aimed at ending more than two years of conflict. However, both sides remain divided over key political and security issues.
Israel has increased military operations in Gaza in recent weeks after shifting attention back from tensions involving Iran. The Israeli military claims Hamas fighters are regrouping inside Gaza, while humanitarian concerns continue to grow across the Palestinian territory. Analysts believe the reported killing of Haddad could further complicate ceasefire negotiations and regional stability.
