Israel has claimed responsibility for killing Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad in an airstrike on a residential building in central Gaza City. The strike, which witnesses said involved three missiles fired from two directions, also targeted a car that attempted to flee the scene. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a joint statement that Haddad was responsible for killings, kidnappings, and injuries of Israeli civilians and soldiers, describing him as one of the planners of the October 7 attacks.

Eyewitnesses reported a major fire following the strike and difficulties rescuing the injured. Local sources said Haddad was severely wounded in the first attack and was being transported in the car hit in the second strike, killing three people. Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied Haddad’s death.

The incident occurred despite a ceasefire in place since October 10. Israel continues to justify operations as targeting Hamas members, while Hamas accuses Israel of violating the truce and attacking civilians. The U.S.-led peace plan for Gaza remains stalled, with disarmament talks unresolved and Hamas reasserting control in the territory.