The Israeli military announced it carried out an airstrike in Gaza City targeting Izz al-Din al-Haddad, identified as Hamas’s military chief in the area. Izz al-Din al-Haddad is a senior figure within Hamas, though the militant group has not yet confirmed his status or whether he was hit in the strike.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the operation was aimed at disrupting Hamas’s military infrastructure. A spokesperson for the IDF said the strike was conducted with precision to minimize civilian casualties, but details on the outcome remain unconfirmed. Gaza City has been a focal point of intense airstrikes and ground operations in recent weeks, with both sides exchanging fire amid rising casualties.

Hamas silent on reports of al-Haddad’s status

Hamas has not issued an immediate statement regarding the airstrike or the fate of al-Haddad. The militant group typically responds swiftly to such reports, but no official confirmation or denial has been provided. The lack of response has fueled speculation, though unverified at this time.

Gaza health officials report at least 15 civilians killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll in the current conflict to over 3,000 since October. The IDF has not commented on the civilian casualties but maintains its operations are targeting Hamas military assets.

Regional tensions escalate amid unconfirmed reports

The airstrike comes as regional tensions continue to rise, with calls for a ceasefire growing louder from international diplomats. The United Nations has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hospitals and infrastructure have been severely damaged. Egypt and Qatar are mediating talks between Israel and Hamas, but no breakthrough has been achieved.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s commitment to dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities, calling the airstrike a necessary step in the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Hamas officials in Gaza have accused Israel of targeting civilians, a claim the IDF denies.

The next 24 hours are critical as observers await further developments, including potential statements from Hamas or independent confirmation of al-Haddad’s status. The international community continues to pressure for a de-escalation, but both sides remain entrenched in their positions.

Efforts to broker a truce have stalled, with both Israel and Hamas blaming the other for the breakdown in negotiations. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating, with reports of food and medical supply shortages worsening by the day. Aid organizations are struggling to deliver assistance amid the ongoing violence.

What You Need to Know

  • Source: Euronews
  • Published: May 15, 2026 at 19:37 UTC
  • Category: World
  • Topics: #euronews · #europe · #world-news · #war · #military · #defense

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Curated by GlobalBR News · May 15, 2026

🇧🇷 Resumo em Português

O mundo assistiu mais uma vez ao agravamento do conflito entre Israel e o Hamas nesta semana, quando o Exército israelense realizou um ataque aéreo em Gaza City com o objetivo declarado de eliminar o chefe militar do grupo palestino, Izz al-Din al-Haddad. A operação, que teria atingido uma área densamente povoada, reacendeu os temores de uma escalada ainda maior na violência, em um cenário já marcado por anos de tensão e centenas de vítimas civis.

O ataque ocorre em um contexto de crescente instabilidade na região, onde Israel alega agir em autodefesa contra ataques do Hamas, enquanto o grupo palestino acusa o país de perpetrar crimes contra a população civil palestina. Para o Brasil e os leitores de língua portuguesa, essa nova escalada reforça a importância do debate sobre a política externa brasileira em relação ao Oriente Médio, especialmente após o reconhecimento recente do Estado Palestino pelo governo Lula. Além disso, a situação em Gaza continua a mobilizar a opinião pública brasileira, com manifestações e campanhas de solidariedade sendo organizadas em diversas cidades do país.

A ausência de confirmação imediata por parte do Hamas sobre a morte de al-Haddad deixa dúvidas sobre o sucesso da operação, enquanto Israel promete novos “golpes cirúrgicos”. O próximo passo deve ser monitorado de perto pela comunidade internacional, que teme que a violência se espalhe para além das fronteiras de Gaza.

🇪🇸 Resumen en Español

Un bombardeo israelí sacudió anoche el corazón de Gaza City al apuntar directamente al jefe militar de Hamás, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, en un operativo que reaviva la tensión en la región. La operación, ejecutada con misiles de precisión, dejó tras de sí un rastro de destrucción en zonas residenciales, mientras el silencio de Hamás sobre la suerte de su líder alimenta especulaciones sobre su posible muerte.

El ataque se enmarca en una escalada de violencia que ya suma semanas, con Israel justificando estas acciones como respuesta a los lanzamientos de cohetes desde Gaza. Para los hispanohablantes, el conflicto no solo representa un recordatorio de la fragilidad de la paz en Oriente Medio, sino también una llamada a reflexionar sobre el impacto humanitario de estas hostilidades, que afectan a civiles atrapados en el fuego cruzado. La falta de confirmación por parte de Hamás añade un manto de incertidumbre que podría redefinir el equilibrio de poder en la zona en las próximas horas.