Israeli Drone Strike Targets Hamas Spokesman in Gaza City
On July 9, 2026, an Israeli drone strike targeted the vehicle of Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem in Gaza. Qassem was not present, but the strike killed his bodyguard. The attack was part of a broader series of Israeli military actions that killed six people across the Palestinian territory on Thursday. The incidents occur amidst a fragile and frequently violated ceasefire, even as Hamas announces plans to transfer governing duties to a UN-backed independent technocratic committee.
Date: July 9, 2026
Location: Palestine
Conflict: Israel-Hamas War
Category: airstrike
Severity: MEDIUM
Casualties reported: 6
Source: The Hindu