Israel Kills Second Top Hamas Security Official in Two Days as Group Picks New Leader

Israel killed two senior Hamas security officials — Colonel Wael al-Ladawi, who oversaw internal security in Gaza, and Major Ramez Abu Zureiq — in a strike on Deir al-Balah on July 26, 2026. This came one day after the Hamas police chief in northern Gaza was killed. Hamas also elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader in late July 2026.