In brief
Hamas has confirmed the death of Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, the commander of its armed wing, due to an Israeli airstrike that targeted a residential building in Gaza City. Israeli officials stated that Haddad was responsible for numerous attacks on Israeli civilians and soldiers. The strike, which also involved multiple explosions targeting an apartment block and a fleeing vehicle, resulted in civilian casualties and sparked a large fire. Despite claims of a ceasefire, Israel has conducted several strikes in Gaza, causing ongoing friction between the two sides.
A Hamas official has confirmed to the BBC that Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, commander of the group's armed wing, was killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza City. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Haddad was responsible for the murder, kidnapping, and injury of thousands of Israeli civilians and military personnel. They accused him of being 'one of the architects of the October 7 massacre.'
The air strike on a residential apartment block sparked a significant fire and posed challenges for rescue teams attempting to evacuate casualties. Eyewitnesses described multiple missiles hitting the building, followed by a subsequent strike targeting a vehicle believed to be carrying Haddad.
Despite a ceasefire established in October, Israel has conducted multiple airstrikes against Hamas targets, resulting in rising tensions and accusations from both sides regarding violations of the truce.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led assault on Israel that left hundreds dead. Israel's military response has led to devastating impacts on Gaza, with high civilian casualties reported.
