In a statement on 16/5, the Israeli military said it collaborated with the Shin Bet internal security agency to conduct a precise strike in the Gaza City area on 15/5, killing Ezzedine Al-Haddad, a leader of Hamas's armed wing.

Haddad was a crucial figure in Hamas's armed operations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated Haddad had been attempting to restore the capabilities of Hamas's armed wing and planning numerous attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers, despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the US in 10/2025. The Israeli military described Haddad as "one of the last senior commanders" of Hamas's armed wing who had participated in directing the planning and execution of the 7/10/2023 attack. The IDF accused Haddad of managing the system for detaining Israeli hostages during the conflict. According to the Israeli military, Haddad had used hostages as "human shields" around himself to prevent the risk of being killed.

Ezzedine Al-Haddad, a leader of Hamas's armed wing. Photo: Times of Israel

Haddad's elusive nature earned him the nickname "The Ghost." Born in 1970, Haddad almost never revealed his whereabouts or appeared in public. He had survived 6 Israeli assassination attempts. He took over command of Hamas's armed wing in 5/2025 after his predecessor Mohammed Sinwar was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Haddad was a founder of Hamas's internal security apparatus and oversaw prisoner exchanges, including those that took place under the ceasefire last October.

Hamas acknowledged the loss while reaffirming its commitment. A Hamas official confirmed to AFP that Haddad died in an Israeli airstrike targeting a residential building. Another source stated Haddad died with his wife and daughter. Hazem Qassem, a Hamas spokesperson, praised Haddad as one of the "greatest fighters" in Palestinian history, affirming his death, while a major loss, would not halt the movement. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir called the airstrike a "significant operational achievement," stating that Haddad's name was frequently mentioned by hostages after their release.

Gaza residents attend the funeral of Izz al-Din al-Haddad on 16/5. Photo: AP

According to AFP statistics based on official Israeli figures, the 7/10/2023 attack resulted in 1,221 Israeli deaths, and militants abducted 251 hostages to Gaza. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported that Israel's retaliatory military operation has killed over 72,700 people.