Israeli strikes killed Palestinians in Gaza City as Israel claimed it targeted senior Qassam commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
Key Developments
- Israeli strikes targeted a residential apartment and a civilian vehicle in Gaza City’s Al-Rimal neighborhood.
- At least seven Palestinians, including women and a child, were killed.
- More than 45 Palestinians were reportedly wounded, several critically.
- Israel claimed the operation targeted senior Qassam Brigades commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
- Hamas and the Qassam Brigades had not confirmed Israel’s claims.
Dozens Killed, Wounded
Israeli airstrikes killed and wounded dozens of Palestinians in Gaza City on Friday evening after attacks targeted residential and civilian areas in the Al-Rimal neighborhood, while Israeli officials later claimed the strikes were aimed at senior Qassam Brigades commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
The attacks came amid continued Israeli bombardment across Gaza and despite ongoing discussions regarding potential ceasefire understandings.
Local sources said Israeli warplanes simultaneously targeted a residential apartment inside the Al-Mu’taz building in Gaza City’s Al-Rimal neighborhood and a civilian vehicle in the city center.
Several Palestinians were reported killed and others injured after Israeli aircraft carried out several airstrikes targeting a residential building in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood a few moments ago. pic.twitter.com/FyPGHeIWGs
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 15, 2026
The strikes caused extensive destruction and large numbers of casualties.
According to local reports, at least seven Palestinians were killed and approximately 45 others were injured. Medical and emergency sources cited by Al-Jazeera later reported that the death toll included three women and one child, while more than 50 others were wounded, several critically.
Footage showed large plumes of smoke rising over the area as rescue workers and civilians attempted to pull victims from beneath rubble.
Ambulance and Civil Defense crews reportedly faced significant difficulties reaching the scene because of the scale of destruction and chaos following the bombardment.
Nearby hospitals, already operating under severe strain after months of war and siege conditions, struggled to absorb the influx of casualties.
Israel Claims Haddad Was Target
Hours after the strikes, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement claiming the attack had targeted Izz al-Din al-Haddad, a senior commander in Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades.
Breaking | Israeli aircraft bombard a residential building in Al-Rimal neighborhood, west of Gaza City. pic.twitter.com/DTkmlSInEY
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 15, 2026
The statement said the operation was carried out under direct instructions from Netanyahu and Katz, but stopped short of confirming whether Haddad had been killed.
Israeli media suggested the operation involved multiple stages, claiming that both the apartment and a vehicle were targeted as part of an assassination attempt.
According to Israel Hayom, three fighter jets participated in the attack, launching 13 missiles and bombs in an effort to ensure what it described as the complete destruction of the target and prevent survival.
No Confirmation from Qassam
As of Friday evening, Hamas and the Qassam Brigades had not issued any official statement regarding Israeli claims.
No confirmation had emerged concerning Haddad’s fate or whether he had been present at the targeted locations.
Al-Haddad is considered one of the most senior military figures in Gaza and reportedly serves on Hamas’ military council. Israeli media reports previously described him as among Israel’s top targets following the assassination of several senior Hamas leaders during the war.
The latest strikes came as humanitarian conditions across Gaza continue to deteriorate sharply after months of war.
Hospitals remain overwhelmed, medical resources depleted, and humanitarian agencies continue warning of worsening conditions and the collapse of critical infrastructure.
The latest bombardment added to the growing civilian toll as Israeli attacks continue across the Strip.
(PC, Al Jazeera, QNN)
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