Israeli Army Says Hamas Military Chief Killed in Gaza City

2026-05-16

Airstrike on Gaza City

On the 16th, the Israeli military said it had killed Izz al-Haddad, the head of the military wing of the Islamist group Hamas, in Gaza, the Palestinian territory. Prime Minister Netanyahu had said on the 15th that an airstrike had been carried out targeting him. As the U.S.-led Gaza peace plan stalls over Hamas's disarmament, the military appears set to intensify military pressure on Hamas.

Highlights Operation Gains

The Israeli military says it carried out a precision strike in northern Gaza City. Chief of Staff Zamir called it "an important operational achievement." According to Al Jazeera, a residential building in Gaza City was hit in the airstrike, killing seven people and injuring more than 50.

Successor Also Called a "Ghost"

According to Israeli media, Haddad was one of the masterminds behind the surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, and the Israeli military had been searching for him with a $750,000 reward. After Gaza chief Muhammad Sinwar was killed in an airstrike in May 2025, Haddad took over as commander. He was believed to have been involved in Hamas decision-making and was called a "ghost" because he repeatedly evaded assassination attempts.

Attacks Continue After Ceasefire

The Israeli military has continued sporadic attacks even after the ceasefire in October last year. Gaza health authorities said on the 16th that the death toll since the ceasefire had reached 870. The number of people killed since fighting began in 2023 has risen to 72,757.

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