On Friday, the Israeli military struck a residential building in Gaza City, targeting Izz al‑Din al‑Haddad, the de facto leader of Hamas’s Gaza military wing. The attack followed the killing of Muhammad Sinwar earlier this year and aimed at a key architect of the Oct. 7 attack.

Prime Minister and Defense Minister jointly described al‑Haddad as another planner of the Oct. 7 assault and accused him of refusing to honor a Trump‑brokered agreement to disarm Hamas. The operation drew criticism from international observers who warned of escalating tensions and potential humanitarian fallout.

Hospital reports from Al‑Shifa indicate at least seven casualties, with Gaza Civil Defense citing five deaths in the same strike. Analysts suggest al‑Haddad may have been killed inside the building, a loss that could weaken Hamas’s command structure and alter the balance of power in the Strip.

The strike underscores Israel’s continued pressure on Hamas amid a fragile cease‑fire, while Hamas remains reluctant to disarm. Investors in defense contractors and regional energy firms watch closely, as the escalation could drive demand for military hardware and reshape supply chains across the Middle East.