Israel intensifies strikes in Gaza and Lebanon, claims killing Hamas military wing head

Israel has escalated its military operations in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, amidst ongoing regional tensions. In a significant development, Israel announced on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, that it had killed Mohammad Awda, identified as the new head of Hamas's armed wing, in an airstrike in northern Gaza on Tuesday. This strike occurred less than two weeks after his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, was also reportedly killed by Israeli forces.

The Israeli military's intensified strikes in Lebanon on Tuesday resulted in at least 31 fatalities and 40 injuries, according to Lebanese authorities. These operations, which included ground forces advancing beyond the "yellow line" in southern Lebanon, have further strained a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah that was established in mid-April.

While Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Awda's targeting and death, Hamas has not issued an official statement regarding his appointment or demise. A relative of Awda, however, confirmed his death.