Israeli Airstrike Targets Vehicle in Gaza, Killing Two Hamas Security Chiefs

The head of Hamas’s internal security in central Gaza was among those killed.

Published On 26 Jul 202626 Jul 2026

An Israeli airstrike killed two Hamas security officials, including Colonel Wael Musa al-Ladawi, a senior officer who headed the group’s internal security service in central Gaza, according to the interior ministry.

Al-Ladawi and Ramez Tawfiq Abu Zureiq were killed on Sunday when their vehicle was struck while traveling through Deir al-Balah. Footage released by the Shehab News Agency showed a burnt-out car in the middle of the road, shrouded in thick smoke.

The bodies of the two men were transported to Al‑Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

On Saturday, the head of Hamas’s police force in northern Gaza was also killed in an Israeli strike; Israel said he was a member of the Hamas military wing.

Hamas described the killing as part of Israel’s broader strategy to create chaos in Gaza by dismantling state institutions, thereby undermining the territory’s administration.

Although a notional ceasefire took effect on October 10, Israel has continued near‑daily attacks, effectively nullifying the truce. Peace talks have stalled, with the Board of Peace—established by U.S. President Donald Trump—yet to produce any tangible results.

Earlier this week, Hamas elected a new leader, Khalil al‑Hayya, nearly two years after his predecessor, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza.

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