The Israeli army and Shin Bet, the internal intelligence agency, announced on Saturday, May 16, the death of Hamas military branch leader Ezzedine Al-Haddad in strikes on the Gaza Strip the day before. The information was subsequently confirmed by the Palestinian Islamist movement. The Washington Post described Al-Haddad as a “relatively little-known figure before the start of the war in Gaza”. The Israeli Defense Forces statement announcing his elimination, however, presents him as “the last Hamas leader involved in planning the terrorist attacks of October 7 still alive in Gaza.”
According to witnesses interviewed by the BBC, the strikes targeted the residential building Al-Mu’taz in the Al-Ramal neighborhood of Gaza City, followed by a civilian vehicle about a kilometer away. In total, at least seven people were reported killed and 45 others injured, with several in serious condition.
Reports from Al-Jazeera correspondent in the Palestinian enclave, Ibrahim Al Khalili, suggest that at least four missiles were fired. The journalist added that the western area of Gaza City is currently “overpopulated” – with the population seeking refuge “to escape the countless Israeli military operations [in the east of the city].”
“Despite the peace plan [proposed by US President Donald] Trump, the fighting continues in the enclave,” notes the Qatari news site. “Since the ‘ceasefire’ came into effect on October 10, 2025, nearly 850 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Gaza health ministry. Many residents believed the ceasefire would lead to a form of calm, but it brings nothing but tragedies.”
The funeral of Ezzedine Al-Haddad took place on Saturday morning in Gaza, as seen in images from AFP showing his coffin wrapped in a Hamas flag, surrounded by a crowd. […] Continue reading on Courrier international.
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