JERUSALEM (VINNews) – Israeli officials said Friday that the military carried out a strike in Gaza City targeting a senior Hamas commander believed to have played a central role in planning the Oct. 7 attacks.

ראשוני: ניסיון חיסול של מנהיג חמאס עז א-דין אל-חדאד pic.twitter.com/NEtHcdKZ7d

— מעריב | Maariv (@MaarivOnline) May 15, 2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz identified the target as Izz al-Din al-Haddad, whom they described as a top Hamas military leader responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

The strike took place in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood after Israeli intelligence tracked the commander for days, according to defense officials, who said early assessments indicated the operation may have succeeded.

Former hostages, including Emily Damari, reacted publicly following reports of the strike, describing Haddad as directly tied to their captivity and the Hamas-led assault on Israel.