WORLD

Israeli strike kills son of Hamas' chief negotiator in US-mediated Gaza peace talks

Updated May 8, 2026 at 12:29 AM

An Israeli airstrike killed Azzam Al-Hayya, son of Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas' chief negotiator in US-mediated talks on Gaza's future. Later that day, police and Hamas targets were struck in Gaza City as leaders met in Cairo with mediators, amid ongoing bloodshed and funeral rites.

Why It Matters

The killings disrupt ongoing Gaza peace talks and highlight the fragility of the truce and US-led mediation efforts.

Timeline

10 Events

Hamas official says killing was an attempt to influence talks

May 7, 2026

Hazem Qassem, Hamas Gaza spokesperson, said the killing was a failed attempt to influence the negotiating team and gain political concessions.

Funeral and mourning for Azzam Al-Hayya in Gaza

May 7, 2026

Palestinians in Gaza held funeral prayers for Azzam Al-Hayya, with chants of 'Allahu akbar' and mourning as his body was laid to rest; sisters spoke at the morgue.

Israeli military says it struck Hamas command centre in northern Gaza

May 7, 2026

The Israeli military said it struck a Hamas command centre in the northern Gaza Strip, killing several militants inside who were operating to carry out attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.

Israeli airstrike targets police post in western Gaza City

May 7, 2026

An Israeli airstrike targeted a police post in western Gaza City, killing at least three police officers and wounding others.

Azzam Al-Hayya dies of wounds

May 7, 2026

Azzam Al-Hayya dies from wounds sustained in the strike.

Hamas and factions hold Cairo talks with mediators

May 6, 2026

Leaders of Hamas and other Palestinian factions held talks in Cairo with regional mediators and Nickolay Mladenov to push Trump's Gaza plan into its second phase.