LiveLive Updates May 16, 2026Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeMay 16, 2026UpdatesHamas confirms death of commander killed in Israeli strike in Gaza in official statementHamas officially announced that the commander of its military wing, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, was killed in an Israeli strike in the Gaza Strip.According to the statement, al-Haddad was killed along with his wife, daughter and several other people. Palestinians mourn over the bodies of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas' Qassam Brigades, left, his daughter, center and wife during their funeral in Gaza City, Saturday, May 16, 2026. Credit: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Palestinians mourn over the bodies of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the leader of Hamas' Qassam Brigades, left, his daughter, center and wife during their funeral in Gaza City, Saturday, May 16, 2026. Credit: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Read the full articleTrump administration told UAE to seize Iranian island, report saysSenior Trump administration officials encouraged the United Arab Emirates to become more involved in the war against Iran and seize one of Iran's islands in the Persian Gulf, the Telegraph reported.According to the report, some in U.S. President Donald Trump's circle suggested that the UAE take control of Lavan Island, which was reportedly hit in covert Emirati military strikes in early April. "Go take them!" one senior official told the British newspaper. "It would be Emirati boots on the ground instead of American ones."Kremlin: Putin, UAE president discuss Iran conflictRussian President Vladimir Putin discussed the Iran conflict with United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Kremlin said Saturday.According to the statement, the two leaders emphasized the importance of continuing political and diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching compromise-based peace agreements.Five Israelis arrested over suspected arson attack near West Bank village, police sayFive Israelis, including an active reservist, were arrested overnight on suspicion of involvement in setting fire to two vehicles near the West Bank village of Shuqba, northwest of Ramallah, police said.According to police, the five were taken for questioning at the Modi'in Illit station and will later be brought before a court, where police will seek to extend their detention.5 hours agoOver 4,000 police officers deployed in London ahead of anticipated clashes between Nakba Day, far-right protestsPeople hold Palestinian flags during a march held by Palestine Solidarity Campaign to mark the 78th anniversary of the Nakba and against the "Unite the Kingdom" rally taking place in London organised by British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, in London, Britain, May 16, 2026. Credit: Chris J Ratcliffe/ REUTERSPeople hold Palestinian flags during a march held by Palestine Solidarity Campaign to mark the 78th anniversary of the Nakba and against the "Unite the Kingdom" rally taking place in London organised by British anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson, in London, Britain, May 16, 2026. Credit: Chris J Ratcliffe/ REUTERSMore than 4,000 police officers have been deployed in London, U.K. in anticipation of clashes between Nakba Day and Unite the Kingdom protests, as well as Football Association Challenge Cup finals, the Metropolitan Police announced.Tens of thousands of people gathered for the Unite the Kingdom march, led by far-right figure Tommy Robinson, while pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered for the Nakba Day rally in South Kensington."Thousands of officers will be deployed, taking a zero-tolerance approach supported by specialist resources including live facial recognition, helicopters, drones, dog units, police horses, armoured vehicles and dedicated investigative teams," Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said on Wednesday ahead of protests.Police said 11 people had been arrested as of 1 P.M. local time at the Unite the Kingdom and Nakba Day protests, including two men who arrived in London to attend the Unite the Kingdom march and were wanted over an unrelated incident in Birmingham.Supporters of British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, watch the speeches on screens after taking part in a march organised by Unite The Kingdom, in central London on May 16, 2026. Credit: AFP/JUSTIN TALLISSupporters of British far-right activist Tommy Robinson, real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, watch the speeches on screens after taking part in a march organised by Unite The Kingdom, in central London on May 16, 2026. Credit: AFP/JUSTIN TALLISRead the full articleIDF says it killed two Hamas militants involved in October 7 attackThe IDF said it killed two Hamas militants who took part in the October 7 attack in two strikes carried out in northern Gaza over the past two weeks.The military identified them as Hamer Iyad Muhammad Almatouk and Khaled Muhammad Salem Joudeh, saying they had been working to advance attacks against Israeli troops.New Hadash chairman calls for broad Arab-Jewish front against NetanyahuDr. Yousef Jabareen, the newly elected chairman of the Arab-Jewish Hadash party, said they will do everything they can to prevent the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich from serving another term.Jabareen said Hadash will fight "for equality, democracy and peace" together with Jewish democratic forces, and called for establishing "the broadest and strongest possible" Joint List.Jabareen in Deir Hanna, Wednesday. Credit: Daniel RoliderJabareen in Deir Hanna, Wednesday. Credit: Daniel RoliderRECAP: U.S., Israel reportedly prepare possible Iran strikes; six killed in Israeli strike in southern Lebanon■ The United States and Israel are making "intense preparations" for a possible renewal of strikes on Iran as early as next week, pending U.S. President Donald Trump's decision, the New York Times reported.■ Iran said it will soon unveil a traffic-control plan for the Strait of Hormuz, including designated routes and toll fees for vessels cooperating with Tehran.■ At least six people, including three paramedics, were killed and 22 wounded in an Israeli strike on a civil defense center in southern Lebanon, Lebanon's state news agency reported, as the IDF continues to issue new evacuation warnings for Southern Lebanon. ■ Lebanon's delegation said Israel and Lebanon agreed to establish a U.S.-supervised security coordination mechanism between the Lebanese army and the IDF, after their cease-fire was extended by 45 days.■ The IDF confirmed that Hamas military commander Izz al-Din Haddad was killed in Gaza; it also said it will not reduce troop numbers in Israeli Gaza-border communities after residents opposed the move.■ More than 4,000 police officers were deployed in London ahead of expected clashes around Nakba Day and far-right protests, as well as the FA Cup final, the Metropolitan Police said.In the NewsNYC Mayor Mamdani Shares Nakba Day Video, Sparks Backlash for One-sidednessFormer MK Joseph Jabareen Elected Head of Arab-Jewish Hadash–Ta'al PartyReport: U.S. and Israel Preparing for Possible Renewal of Strikes on IranKilling Hamas' Military Chief, Netanyahu Hails Tactical Feat as Strategic GainHow Legal – and Moral – Is the Drive to Get Israeli Expats Home to Vote?Remembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIThe Hasidic Jews Behind Florida's Giant Golden Trump StatueStarlink Users, Beware – Israeli Tech Can Reveal Your IdentityIt Wasn't Just Revenge That Israel Was After in GazaIsraeli Artists Slam Venice Biennale Participation: 'Again, Israel as a Victim'Trump Collides With Reality in Latest Iran StandoffIsraeli Teens Storm Muslim Quarter in Old City, Haaretz Reporter Attacked