Israel carries out strike targeting most senior Hamas military leader in Gaza

Key Points:

• Israel conducted a strike targeting Hamas' senior military leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad despite a fragile US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, with Israeli officials blaming him for orchestrating the October 7 attack and holding hostages.
• The strike hit a residential building in Gaza City's al-Rimal neighborhood, killing at least one woman and injuring six others, according to Gaza emergency services and hospital officials.
• Al-Haddad, known as the “Ghost of al-Qassam,” is the head of Hamas’ military wing and considered a top decision maker after previous assassinations of other Hamas leaders by Israel.
• Israeli security officials indicated the assassination was likely successful, though Hamas has not confirmed al-Haddad’s status and independent verification is unavailable.
• The ceasefire remains fragile, with ongoing Israeli strikes killing over 850 people in Gaza since mid-October, while US and UN officials emphasize that Hamas’ disarmament and governance changes are essential for lasting peace and Israel’s withdrawal.