Azzam Al-Hayya dies after Israeli air strike in Gaza
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 7
Azzam Al-Hayya dies after Israeli air strike in Gaza
14 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 7
Basim Naim said Khalil Al-Hayya's son died on Thursday after Wednesday's strike, as Hamas leaders met mediators and envoy Nickolay Mladenov in Cairo.
Hamas says the attack undermines efforts to preserve the truce and advance Donald Trump's Gaza plan, whose second phase is stalled by disputes over Israel's obligations and Hamas disarmament.
Azzam is the fourth son of the exiled Gaza chief killed in Israeli attacks. Local medics say at least 830 Palestinians have died since the October ceasefire began.
With ceasefires failing and mixed signals from Washington, is the region on the brink of a much larger war?
Can China's quiet diplomacy succeed in the Middle East where US military pressure has failed?
May 2026 Gaza Report: 837 Deaths Since Ceasefire and the Collapse of U.S.-Brokered Peace Plan
Overview
In May 2026, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed key Hamas figures, including Azzam Khalil Al-Hayya, deepening the personal tragedy for his father, senior Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya. These strikes occurred amid a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire that both sides repeatedly violated, leading to escalating violence and stalled peace talks. Hamas demands full Israeli withdrawal before disarmament talks, while Israel insists on Hamas's demilitarization first, creating a deadlock. The conflict has caused massive casualties and displacement, with over 72,500 Palestinians killed since 2023 and dire humanitarian conditions worsening. International actors urge restraint and renewed negotiations, but mutual distrust and ongoing attacks threaten to unravel the fragile peace process.