In a significant escalation of tensions in the region, Hamas confirmed on Saturday that Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the commander-in-chief of its armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, was killed during an Israeli airstrike on Friday.
The announcement was delivered via a video posted on Facebook by Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem. The news triggered an emotional response in Gaza City, where hundreds of Palestinians gathered on Saturday for al-Haddad's funeral. The procession, which began at the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Mosque, saw mourners carrying the bodies of al-Haddad, along with his wife and daughter, through the streets while chanting slogans against the military operation.
Parallel to the announcement from Hamas, the Israeli military and the domestic security agency Shin Bet issued a joint statement confirming al-Haddad's death. Israeli intelligence officials identified him as one of the key planners behind the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir emphasized the ongoing nature of their mission, stating that the military will continue to hold everyone involved in the 2023 attacks accountable. "We will not relent until we reach them all," Zamir asserted.
The strike on Friday was devastating, with Palestinian medical sources reporting at least 10 fatalities and 50 injuries resulting from hits on an apartment building and a vehicle in Gaza City. Al-Haddad, widely known by the moniker "Ghost of al-Qassam," had long been one of Israel's most wanted targets, having reportedly survived multiple previous assassination attempts.
The death of such a high-ranking official is expected to have ripple effects. Gaza-based political analyst Ahed Ferwana noted that al-Haddad's absence could create a significant operational void in the group's field command. Furthermore, Ferwana suggested the timing of the strike might be influenced by internal Israeli politics, noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be seeking to strengthen his political position ahead of potential Knesset dissolution and upcoming parliamentary elections.
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Hamas confirms death of military wing chief; funeral held in Gaza City
cgtn.com
