IDF Kills Izz al-Din al-Haddad, Hamas Armed Wing Chief in Gaza — 7 Dead, 50+ Wounded in Rimal Strike

Israeli forces struck an apartment building in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City on May 15, 2026, killing Izz al-Din al-Haddad — identified by Israel as the head of Hamas's armed wing (Qassam Brigades) in Gaza and one of the last surviving architects of the October 7, 2023 attacks. A nearby vehicle was also struck in the operation. At least 7 people were killed and more than 50 wounded in the strikes. An Israeli official stated al-Haddad had been 'actively undermining Trump's Gaza plan' by organizing continued militant operations during the October 2025 ceasefire. Hamas initially did not confirm al-Haddad's death on May 15 but a Hamas official confirmed it on May 16, 2026. The killing marks the most senior Hamas military elimination since the October 2025 ceasefire, further complicating Hamas disarmament negotiations. Al-Haddad was one of the last surviving top Qassam commanders remaining in Gaza.