Israel Says Hamas Internal Security Chief Killed in Gaza Strike

Moscow, Jul 28: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday said it had killed Wael Musa Khaled Ladawi, whom it identified as the head of Hamas’ internal security in the central Gaza Strip, during a strike in the Deir al-Balah area. In a statement, the IDF said the operation was carried out jointly with the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) and alleged that Ladawi played a key role in Hamas’ internal security apparatus in central Gaza. The Israeli military said it had taken precautionary measures before the strike to minimise the risk to civilians. The latest operation comes amid the continuing conflict that began in October 2023 following Hamas’ attack on Israel, which triggered a large-scale Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip. According to figures cited in the report, more than 72,000 people have been killed and over 170,000 injured in Gaza since the conflict began. A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect on October 10, 2025, following mediation by Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Turkey under a peace initiative proposed by US President Donald Trump. Under the agreement, Israeli forces withdrew to the so-called Yellow Line while retaining control of more than half of the Gaza Strip. The conflict remains unresolved, with intermittent military operations and diplomatic efforts continuing alongside the ceasefire arrangements.