Israel Claims to Have Killed Hamas Commander Behind October 7 Attack

Jerusalem has announced the death of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the commander of Hamas’s armed faction, who was reportedly a key architect behind the October 7 attack. This attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the capture of hundreds more in southern Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated on Friday night that al-Haddad was killed in a “precision strike” in Gaza City, marking a significant operational success. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir confirmed his death, noting that al-Haddad played a crucial role in the deadly assault that ignited the ongoing Gaza conflict.

“In discussions with released hostages, al-Haddad’s name frequently surfaced,” Zamir remarked. “His elimination is a victory for the IDF, which will persist in pursuing those involved in the October 7 massacre.”

The IDF has directed its Southern Command to stay on high alert, anticipating potential retaliatory strikes by Hamas militants backed by Iran.

As reported, al-Haddad took control of Hamas after the assassination of Mohammed Sinwar in May 2025. Before his rise to leadership, he was in charge of the Gaza City brigade and was directly involved in orchestrating the October 7 massacre.

During the conflict, al-Haddad was also engaged in taking numerous Israeli hostages, managing a hostage system designed to bolster his position, according to IDF statements.

Israel further claims that al-Haddad was instrumental in supporting Hamas’s political wing, which governs the Gaza Strip. The Wall Street Journal indicated he had survived multiple assassination attempts, with a bounty of $750,000 placed on his head for his extensive planning of the October attack.

On that day, approximately 3,000 armed Palestinian terrorists assaulted southern Israel, targeting numerous communities, a military base, and even a music festival. The attack left around 1,200 individuals dead and resulted in over 250 people being taken hostage.