Israel Faces Setbacks in Gaza Amidst Continued Strikes

Updated: 11:37 PM PKT — May 27, 2026

South Africa has formally requested the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order Israel to cease its military operations in the occupied Gaza Strip. During a hearing, South Africa’s legal representative argued that the international community has failed to protect the Palestinian people from what was described as “genocide.”

The lawyer stated that this is the first genocide in history where victims are broadcasting their own destruction in real-time, in the “helpless hope that perhaps the world would do something to save them.” The representative cited the “openly inhumane and genocidal language” of Israeli officials as part of the case.

Updated: 10:05 PM PKT — May 27, 2026

Hamas has confirmed the death of its Gaza chief, Muhammad Awda, in an Israeli strike on a residential building in Gaza City. Awda had taken command of the Al-Qassam Brigades just 11 days prior, replacing his predecessor who was also killed in an Israeli attack. Awda’s wife and two sons were also killed in the strike, which left at least three others dead and over 20 wounded.

Israeli officials alleged Awda was Hamas’ intelligence chief during the October 7, 2023 attacks and played a central role in their planning. According to Gaza’s health ministry, nearly 900 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire was declared, as Israel continues operations against individuals it claims were involved in the October 7 attacks.