The Israel Defense Forces have announced the killing of Izz Al-Din Al-Haddad, head of Hamas’s military wing, in a targeted airstrike inside Gaza. Israeli officials described Al-Haddad as the highest-ranking Hamas figure eliminated since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire took effect last October. The IDF identified him as one of the last remaining senior commanders who helped plan the October 7 attack.
Following the death of Muhammad Sinwar, Al-Haddad assumed critical leadership roles. According to the IDF, he focused on rebuilding Hamas’s military capabilities and orchestrated multiple terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and troops throughout the conflict. He was also heavily involved in managing the group’s hostage-holding operations, reportedly surrounding himself with captives as protection against targeted strikes.
Retired Marine Corps intelligence officer and national security analyst Hal Kempfer assessed the operation’s impact. Kempfer stated that Al-Haddad had been effectively running Hamas operations in Gaza and had previously led the Qassam Brigades, one of the group’s most active units.
“Israel takes advantage of high-value targets when they locate them actively engaged in terrorist activities,” Kempfer explained. He noted that such strikes occur even under ceasefire conditions when intelligence shows the target is working to undermine the agreement, a pattern Israel has also applied to Hezbollah leadership in Lebanon.
Kempfer described the overall situation in Gaza as largely stagnant. While the ceasefire has held with only sporadic incidents, Hamas has failed to disarm or step back as anticipated. Instead, the group has used the lull to reconstitute its forces, reassert control over territory, and eliminate rival factions through internal purges — actions that directly contradict the terms of the agreement.
This has hindered efforts to introduce an international stabilization force or form a provisional government, as an armed Hamas continues to dominate streets and territory vacated by Israeli forces. Kempfer observed that Israeli withdrawals were partly intended to reduce daily friction with civilians and limit international criticism.
The ceasefire, negotiated by President Trump in October, has succeeded in significantly lowering the overall level of violence and firepower entering Gaza. However, Hamas’s refusal to disarm — viewed as an existential necessity for the organization — has stalled broader progress toward reconstruction and a long-term peace framework.
Reports indicate discussions are underway about redirecting approximately $5 billion in funds held for the Palestinian Authority toward Gaza’s rebuilding efforts, a potential shift that could further diminish the Authority’s influence.
Kempfer suggested the strike will create some organizational disruption for Hamas, though the group is already in a weakened state. He added that while Hamas may initially rally around the loss, there is growing frustration among Gaza residents over the group’s continued refusal to demilitarize.
