Seven Palestinians were killed and dozens injured on Friday evening when Israeli warplanes bombed a residential apartment and a civilian vehicle in the al‑Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City, in a continuation of Israel’s serious violations of the “ceasefire agreement.”
According to paramedics and field reporters, the attack began with a missile strike targeting an apartment in a multi‑story residential building near Abu al‑Kas junction, killing several people inside the unit and injuring others in nearby apartments.
Minutes later, a second strike hit a civilian vehicle in the same area, killing all passengers instantly and injuring bystanders with shrapnel and debris.
Medical teams confirmed that the seven Palestinians killed include victims from inside the bombed apartment, the passengers of the destroyed vehicle.
Civil Defense crews reported that the bombardment caused extensive structural damage to the building and surrounding homes, complicating rescue operations under continuous drone surveillance and intermittent secondary explosions.
Paramedics described multiple cases of severe blast trauma, burns, and crushed limbs, noting that several victims arrived at al‑Shifa Medical Complex in critical condition.
In related news, a Palestinian, Majed Atiyya al‑Wadiya “Abu Ahmad”, succumbed to serious wounds sustained two days earlier when Israeli forces bombed a condolence house in Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced the assassination of Ezzeddine al‑Haddad, described by Israel as a senior commander in the al‑Qassam Brigades, after bombing the apartment in the Rimal neighborhood.
Israeli media reported that the operation involved armed drones and fighter jets, and alleged that the civilian vehicle struck nearby was “likely used to transport al‑Haddad.”
The Israeli public broadcaster quoted a military official claiming the intelligence used in the strike was “accurate.”
Israeli Army Radio quoted a military source as saying that the United States was notified of the assassination of Ezzedine al‑Haddad immediately after the operation was carried out.
An Israeli official stated that the political leadership had approved the assassination and the earlier attempt to assassinate al‑Haddad a week and a half ago, noting that Israeli intelligence had been tracking him continuously throughout that period. He added that the strike was executed on Friday evening after what he described as an “operational opportunity” with a high likelihood of success.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that they had instructed the army to carry out airstrikes in Gaza City targeting the military commander of Hamas, Ezzedine al‑Haddad.
Palestinian sources identified al‑Haddad as a prominent military figure in Gaza and a member of the movement’s military council, with several outlets reporting that he succeeded the slain commander Mohammed Sinwar in the al‑Qassam command structure.
Ambulance crews said they faced delays reaching the wounded due to debris blocking access routes, fires ignited by the strike, and the continued presence of armed drones overhead.
Rescue teams warned that additional victims may still be trapped under the rubble, as parts of the building suffered partial collapse.
The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that Israeli has now killed 72,744 Palestinians and injured 172,588 since October 7, 2023.
Since the declared “ceasefire” on October 11, 2025, Israeli attacks have killed 857 Palestinians and injured 2,486, while rescue teams have recovered 771 bodies from beneath destroyed homes and buildings.
