VFI News Hamas Gaza Chief Eliminated, Trump Joins National Prayer Rally, Ancient Fortress Confirms Bible

Israel Just Eliminated Hamas's Gaza Chief — Izz al-Din al-Haddad, called "one of the architects of October 7," has been killed in a precise IDF airstrike on Gaza City. Here's what this means.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir called this a "significant operational success" — Haddad's name came up repeatedly in conversations with freed hostages. Meanwhile, Trump announced the killing of ISIS's second-in-command in a US-Nigerian operation, and a car-ramming attack in Modena, Italy left 8 injured. We cover it all so you can stay informed and pray with understanding.

🙏 Pray for Israel. Share this update with someone who needs it.

📲 Subscribe for daily news from the Middle East — through a biblical lens.

#Israel #Hamas #IDF #MiddleEast #Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces on Saturday, May 16, 2026, confirmed killing Hamas military chief Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the terror group’s leader in Gaza, in a “precise strike” on Gaza City the previous day. The IDF described Haddad as “one of the architects of the brutal October 7 massacre” and called the operation a significant blow to Hamas leadership. A Hamas source said Haddad was killed along with his wife and a daughter.

The military said Haddad had recently “acted to rebuild the capabilities of the terrorist organization’s military wing and to plan numerous terror attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops,” despite a US-brokered ceasefire reached in October 2025. He took over the role of military chief and leader of Hamas in Gaza following the killing of Mohammed Sinwar in May 2025. “Throughout the war, Haddad was involved in holding many Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity. Haddad managed Hamas’s hostage captivity system and surrounded himself with hostages in an attempt to prevent his elimination,” the IDF said.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir hailed the killing as a “significant operational success” led by Southern Command, the Intelligence Directorate, the Air Force and the Shin Bet. Zamir said the name of “the arch-terrorist” Haddad “came up again and again” in his conversations with former hostages. “Today, we succeeded in eliminating him,” Zamir said. “The IDF will continue to pursue our enemies, strike, and settle accounts with everyone who took part in the October 7 massacre.”

(TOI/VFI News)

“Dear Lord, we thank You for protecting Israel and we pray in Yeshua’s Name that You continue to safeguard the IDF, the intelligence services, and all who stand on the front lines. We ask that You bring lasting peace to the Land, that the survivors of captivity find healing in You, and that the hearts of those still hostile to Israel be softened or restrained. May Your hand of mercy and protection rest upon Your people.”

President Donald Trump announced late Friday, May 15, 2026, that U.S. and Nigerian forces carried out an operation that killed a global ISIS leader. Trump identified the terrorist as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, whom he described as ISIS’s second-in-command globally. “Tonight, at my direction, brave American forces and the Armed Forces of Nigeria flawlessly executed a meticulously planned and very complex mission to eliminate the most active terrorist in the world from the battlefield,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

“Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, second in command of ISIS globally, thought he could hide in Africa, but little did he know we had sources who kept us informed on what he was doing,” Trump continued. “He will no longer terrorize the people of Africa, or help plan operations to target Americans.” Trump also thanked the Nigerian government for its cooperation in the mission. “With his removal, ISIS’s global operation is greatly diminished,” he added.

The announcement comes after U.S. Central Command said it carried out multiple strikes against more than 30 ISIS targets in Syria in February 2026 as part of a joint military effort to “sustain relentless military pressure on remnants from the terrorist network.” U.S. forces struck ISIS infrastructure and weapons-storage targets using fixed-wing, rotary-wing and unmanned aircraft. CENTCOM announced in February that more than 50 ISIS terrorists had been killed or captured and more than 100 ISIS infrastructure targets struck during two months of targeted operations in Syria.

(FOX/VFI News)

“The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.” – Psalm 37:12-13

At least eight people were injured Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Modena, Italy, when a driver rammed his car into a crowd at full speed — then knifed a bystander who tried to stop him as he attempted to flee the scene. The man has been identified by authorities as Salim el Koudri, a 31-year-old Italian citizen of Moroccan origin. The motive is not yet known, but a terrorist attack has not been ruled out.

El Koudri accelerated suddenly then zigzagged erratically on Via Emilia around 4:30 p.m., mowing down at least four pedestrians. “He was going at least a hundred kilometers per hour, we saw people flying,” one witness said. He crashed his silver Citroen C3 into a storefront window, crushing a 52-year-old woman between the car’s front end and the shop. She was taken to the hospital in critical condition and will likely have both legs amputated, authorities said.

After crashing, the knife-wielding attacker tried to run but was chased down by a crowd that included Luca Signorelli, who was viciously gashed in the head during the scuffle. “He disappeared behind a row of cars and then suddenly reappeared with a knife in his hand,” Signorelli said, his head still dripping with blood. “Two slashing blows came at me — one aimed at the heart, the other at the head… I managed to dodge one of the strikes, but the other one hit me. Then I pinned his wrist. And then I neutralized him.” Modena Mayor Massimo Mezzetti thanked Signorelli and the others for helping catch the attacker, and the terrorism unit of the Bologna District Prosecutor’s Office is assisting the investigation.

(NYP/VFI News)

“Heavenly Father, we lift up the injured victims in Modena, especially the woman in critical condition who lost her legs and all those caught in this brutal attack. We pray for Your healing hand upon their bodies and Your comfort upon their families. We thank You for the courage of Luca Signorelli and the bystanders who stopped this rampage at great risk to themselves. We ask You to protect cities across Europe from violence and bring every wicked plot to nothing. In Yeshua’s Name we pray.”

U.S. federal prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for the man who shot and killed two Israeli Embassy staffers outside Washington’s Capital Jewish Museum in May 2025, the DC US attorney’s office announced on Friday, May 15, 2026. The notice of intent filed by the attorney’s office states that Elias Rodriguez, the suspect, intentionally killed victims Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky, and engaged in violence knowing it carried a risk of death. These actions meet the statutory threshold for federal death penalty eligibility, the filing says.

The notice lists various aggravating factors justifying capital punishment: grave risk of death to additional persons, substantial planning and premeditation to commit an act of terrorism, and the vulnerability of the victims. Prosecutors also detail non-statutory factors, including a bias motive. Federal prosecutors declare that Rodriguez’s actions were motivated by political, ideological, national, and religious bias, contempt, and hatred. “He targeted individuals whom he perceived to have attended an event for young Jewish professionals, organized by the American Jewish Committee and hosted at the Capital Jewish Museum, to amplify the effect of his crimes,” the filing says.

In February 2026, Rodriguez was indicted on 13 counts, and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for charges of Murder of a Foreign Official and Causing Death Through the Use of a Firearm. The Superseding Indictment takes into account Rodriguez’s long history of anti-Israel statements, including a social media post calling for the vaporization of every Israeli over 18. After shooting Lischinsky and Milgrim, Rodriguez yelled “Free Palestine” and “I did it for Gaza.” Friends of Lischinsky, a Messianic Jew, said he “probably would have actually forgiven the man who killed him.”

(JPost/VFI News)

“He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord.” – Proverbs 17:15

Discover the true essence of Shavuot with our exceptional Veggie Lasagne recipe. This authentic dish combines rich Mediterranean flavors with the freshness of seasonal vegetables, resulting in a mouthwatering culinary experience. Our step-by-step video guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that your homemade Veggie Lasagne is a masterpiece. Celebrate Shavuot in style with this delightful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Get ready to savor every bite and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

Protesters gathered Thursday, May 14, 2026, outside The New York Times building in New York City to express outrage over an opinion piece by liberal columnist Nicholas Kristof that contained allegations of serial sexual abuse by Israelis against Palestinian detainees. The piece included testimony of men and women alleging “brutal sexual abuse at the hands of Israel’s prison guards, soldiers, settlers and interrogators,” including the unsubstantiated claim that police dogs had been coached to assault detainees. The article drew immediate backlash from readers and the Israeli government, which has threatened a lawsuit against The Times.

Some commentators called the piece into question, noting that several figures interviewed by Kristof had ties to Hamas or anti-Israel activism. Protesters stood inside NYPD barricades holding signs that read “Shame on The New York Times for publishing anti-Zionist libels” and “The New York Times: All the blood libel that’s fit to print,” chanting for a retraction. Many carried Israeli and American flags. One organizer, Jayne Zirkle of The Lawfare Project, said the timing of the piece was deliberate.

“They published a slanderous article against Israel, and they did this just a day before the October 7th rape report came out,” Zirkle said. “They want to take away from the horrible sexual abuse that the October 7th victims endured, and we are demanding retraction. We’re demanding better journalism.” Adam Louis-Klein, founder of the Movement Against Anti-Zionism, argued the piece painted Israelis as uniquely barbaric and endangered Jews globally. “It’s a racist, defamatory libel. It’s meant to make all Israelis look evil and bestial,” he said. Canine behavior expert Michael S. Gould called the central claim “absurd.”

(FOX/VFI News)

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” – Exodus 20:16

A 66-year-old U.K. pastor arrested while street preaching in London says he is facing hate speech-related charges for preaching the Bible and speaking out against Islam. “It’s called inciting religious hatred — which is false,” Pastor Steve Maile said. “The cross of Christ is a message of hope, love, mercy, and reconciliation to a fallen world... How could that be hate?” Maile is a gospel singer and the senior pastor of Oasis City Church in Watford, England, a town outside London.

For 45 years, the New Zealand native has preached and performed mission work globally. A complaint led to his arrest while preaching on a high street in Watford on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The Christian Legal Centre, which is supporting Maile’s case, said he was singing and preaching a gospel message for about 10 minutes when he discussed Islam’s history of violence and called on Muslims to be saved by Jesus. Video footage shows Maile being handcuffed behind his back by Hertfordshire Constabulary officers, with one officer initially alleging he was being arrested for assaulting a child — a charge later dropped.

Maile said he was detained for 12 hours without his phone and was not allowed to use the restroom. He remains under investigation for an alleged public order offense under Section 5 of the U.K.’s Public Order Act, which can carry more severe penalties when classified as “religiously aggravated.” Maile noted he could face months or years of imprisonment. “I don’t preach hate. I don’t preach violence. I preach the love of God, the mercy of God and the goodness of God in Christ Jesus,” he said. “They chose the wrong man because I’m not going to capitulate. I’ve got great news. God is on my side.”

(FOX/VFI News)

“Father God, we pray for Pastor Steve Maile and for every believer in the United Kingdom and around the world who is being persecuted for sharing the gospel. We ask in Yeshua’s Name that You strengthen and embolden them, grant them favor before authorities, and turn back every false accusation. We pray for revival in the U.K. and that Your Word would go forth unhindered. Soften the hearts of those in power to defend rather than silence the truth of the gospel.”

President Donald Trump joined top administration officials, Republican leaders and prominent Christian pastors on the National Mall on Sunday, May 17, 2026, for a massive prayer gathering marking America’s 250th anniversary. Organizers of the event, called Rededicate 250, expected thousands to attend the celebration, which featured worship music, speeches and prayers centered on renewing the nation as “One Nation Under God.” Freedom 250, the nonprofit organizing the gathering, said the event is part of a broader effort leading up to the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration on July 4, 2026.

Several administration figures including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and House Speaker Mike Johnson were scheduled to address the crowd, along with Dr. Ben Carson. The lineup also featured some of Trump’s most prominent faith allies, including evangelist Franklin Graham, White House Faith Office leader Paula White-Cain, Pastor Robert Jeffress and National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference President Samuel Rodriguez. Catholic leaders Cardinal Timothy Dolan and Bishop Robert Barron were set to participate, along with Orthodox Jewish Rabbi Meir Soloveichik. Performances came from Grammy-winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin and other worship musicians.

Trump took to social media on Sunday morning to wish all those attending “a good time,” noting he had just returned from his high-stakes summit in China with President Xi Jinping. “I hope everybody at Rededicate 250 is having a good time,” the president’s post read, adding that he was back from China and offering his help if needed. The event aimed at “rededicating” America to God ahead of the nation’s 250th birthday celebration, drawing together Christian, Catholic and Jewish leaders for a united moment of national prayer.

(FOX/VFI News)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” – Psalm 33:12

Biblical history is being rewritten thanks to recent radiocarbon dating of a few grains of cereal recovered from one of two ancient fortresses in the Arava in southern Israel. New research from the Israel Antiquities Authority, published in the peer-reviewed journal Levant on Monday, April 27, 2026, uses C14 dating of preserved organic samples taken from the Ein Hatzeva fortress south of the Dead Sea. The findings suggest the fortress was built by the biblical kingdom of Israel almost 2,800 years ago, and not by the Assyrian empire decades later as previously thought.

The study sheds new light on how the Kingdom of Israel controlled international trade with Arabia and exercised hegemony over the region, as echoed in the Bible. Researcher Ben-Ami sent seeds from the fortress granary to the D-REAMS Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot. When the results came back, Ben-Ami was extremely surprised — the dating showed the fortress could not have been erected by the Assyrian empire. Co-author Elisabetta Boaretto said the dating covers the years between 791 and 772 BCE.

“If archeological remains could speak, they were now shouting that the establishment of the fortress had nothing to do with the Assyrians,” Ben-Ami noted. “We needed to find a different story.” The site is identified with the biblical settlement of Tamar, mentioned in 1 Kings 9:17-18 as one of the cities built by King Solomon. Ein Hatzeva sat at a strategic crossroads on the incense and spice trade route, and the new dating places its construction during the period of the divided Kingdom of Israel — affirming the biblical account of Israel’s reach and influence during the 8th century BCE.

(TOI/VFI News)

The suggestions, opinions, and scripture references made by VFI News writers and editors are based on the best information received.

Want to see more from VFI? Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visionforisrael and hit “like” if you like us!