Israel Strikes Second Hamas Security Commander in Two Days as New Leader Steps In

Israel killed Colonel Wael al-Ladawi, Hamas's internal security chief in Gaza, and Major Ramez Abu Zureiq in Deir al-Balah on July 26, 2026 — a day after the Hamas police chief in northern Gaza was killed. The back-to-back strikes target Hamas's enforcement hierarchy just as the group elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader in late July 2026.