Israeli Airstrike Kills Hamas Military Wing Chief in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that an Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed Izz Al-Din Al-Haddad, the head of Hamas’s military wing. According to the IDF, Al-Haddad was the most senior Hamas official killed since the U.S.-backed ceasefire took effect last October. The IDF described him as one of the final senior commanders involved in planning the October 7 attack.

Following the elimination of Muhammad Sinwar, Al-Haddad assumed key roles, worked to rebuild Hamas’s capabilities, and planned numerous terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops. The IDF stated that he was involved in holding many Israeli hostages and managed Hamas’s hostage system, surrounding himself with captives in an effort to avoid elimination.

Retired Marine Corps intelligence officer and strategic risk assessment professional Hal Kempfer analyzed the strike’s significance. Kempfer noted that Al-Haddad had effectively been running operations in Gaza and previously led the Qassam Brigades, one of Hamas’s most active components.

“Israel takes advantage of high-value targets when they see them actively engaged in terrorist activities,” Kempfer said, explaining that such strikes occur despite the ceasefire if intelligence indicates the target is undermining it. He drew parallels to Israel’s approach against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Kempfer described the broader situation in Gaza during the ceasefire as one where “more of what has not been happening” — primarily Hamas’s failure to disarm and demilitarize as expected. Instead, Hamas has used the pause to reconstitute its forces, reestablish control over territory, and conduct internal “house cleaning” by eliminating rival groups. This has complicated efforts to deploy an international stabilization force or establish a provisional government.

While the ceasefire brokered by President Trump in October has largely held, with only isolated strikes and combat actions, Kempfer said it has succeeded in reducing overall firepower into Gaza. However, Hamas’s refusal to disarm — an existential issue for the group — has stalled progress toward longer-term reconstruction and peace plans. Israelis have pulled back from certain areas partly for force protection and to limit international repercussions, leaving space that Hamas has reclaimed.

Discussions are reportedly underway regarding the possible transfer of $5 billion held in banks for the Palestinian Authority to aid in rebuilding Gaza, a move that could further weaken the Authority’s position.

Kempfer suggested the strike may cause some organizational disruption to Hamas, though the group remains weakened overall and could initially rally around the loss. Frustration among Palestinians in Gaza with Hamas’s refusal to disarm has also been noted.