Israel claims senior Hamas Commander al-Haddad killed

Israeli forces carried out an airstrike on a building in the Raml neighbourhood of Gaza City, according to foreign media reports.

Israeli authorities say the strike targeted and killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a senior member of the Al-Qassam Brigades. They describe him as a top military commander and one of the planners of the October 7, 2023 attacks. Israel says he appeared on its most wanted list. Hamas has not issued any statement confirming his death.

The attack also struck a vehicle near the building, and Israeli sources report four people were killed in that strike. Local media add that a residential apartment was heavily hit, with reports claiming 132 members of the same family were among the dead. The figures have not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, the United Nations warns that rescue teams have not recovered all bodies from the rubble in Gaza and that most buildings across the territory are either destroyed or severely damaged. UN officials stress that the scale of destruction limits search and recovery efforts and raises urgent humanitarian concerns.

Humanitarian organizations and local authorities urge safe access for aid and for crews to retrieve victims. They emphasize that civilian casualties and damaged infrastructure are worsening living conditions, disrupting medical care, water supply, and shelter. Observers also note rising tensions across the region following the strike, with concerns about further escalation.

International responses are cautious as governments call for verification of reports and restraint by all parties. Journalists and relief agencies are asking for independent confirmation of casualties and identities to avoid unverified claims spreading. In the coming hours, officials from Israel, Hamas, and international bodies may issue further statements.