Israeli occupation attempts to assassinate Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem

The Israeli occupation, on 9 July, tried but failed to assassinate Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem.

“Israeli” drone targeted Hamas spokesperson’s car

An Israeli occupation drone targeted Qassem’s vehicle near Abbas Junction, West of Gaza City, on the afternoon of 9 July. Qassem was not in the vehicle at the time. But his bodyguard, Mohammed Al-Fayoumi, was killed. Three others were also wounded, as the car was hit on a crowded street.

Qassem had attended a press conference on 7 July, in which Hamas announced it was dissolving its civilian governing body in Gaza. He told the AFP news agency at the time:

Hamas has taken a new step in that it will no longer be in charge of the Gaza Strip, in order to remove any pretexts for the occupation, which continues its aggression and war of extermination.

Humanitarian worker targeted and killed by “Israeli occupation”

On 8 July, the day before the attempt on Qassem’s life, Israeli occupation forces assassinated Mohamad Fawaz al-Waheidi in Gaza City’s al Sabra neighbourhood. An airstrike targeted the civilian vehicle he was travelling in.

Al-Waheidi was killed just before a public screening of the Argentina–Egypt World Cup match, which he had organised, was due to start.

A respected community leader and the director of the Egyptian Relief Committee in Gaza City, al-Waheidi was known for:

his tireless efforts to resolve disputes and serve his people.

Three other Palestinians were also killed in the targeted attack – including two brothers, aged 8 and 10, on their way home from playing football.

Al-Waheidi’s assassination occurred as Hamas continues talks with Egyptian officials in Cairo, on the second phase of the peace plan.

Gaza “ceasefire” continues to be violated by “Israel”

Gaza’s civil defence agency and health officials say six Palestinians were killed on 9 July 2026. Since 7 October 2025, the occupation has killed at least 73,110, and injured more than 173,599 people.

Although a “ceasefire” agreement was signed in October 2025, the Israeli occupation continues to violate it. Air and artillery strikes are still targeting displacement areas. The entry of humanitarian aid continues to be blocked. Demolitions are still occurring inside the “yellow line”. At least 1,092 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, on 11 October 2025.

Featured image via the Canary