They delivered a major blow.
Israel has confirmed the death of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a senior Hamas leader and one of the original founders of its military wing. He was reportedly killed in an airstrike on Friday, as part of an ongoing Israeli military campaign targeting key figures involved in past attacks on Israeli civilians and military personnel.
Al-Issa held a significant role within Hamas, serving as the head of its combat support headquarters. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), he was a central figure in building Hamas’ operational strength, overseeing training programs, and planning attacks. Notably, he was accused of being a principal planner of the October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in substantial casualties and escalated the ongoing conflict.
The IDF released a statement on social media declaring that Al-Issa had been “eliminated,” highlighting his involvement in coordinating aerial and naval operations against Israeli targets. Israeli officials emphasized that this strike was part of a broader strategy to dismantle Hamas’ leadership structure and to prevent future attacks.
Al-Issa was described as one of the final remaining founding members of Hamas’ military faction. His death represents a significant blow to the organization’s command hierarchy. Israeli authorities reiterated their commitment to identifying and neutralizing all individuals connected to the October 7 incident, signaling that military operations would continue targeting high-level operatives.
This development comes amid ongoing military action in Gaza and heightened tensions across the region. Israel’s campaign to eliminate Hamas leaders has intensified, with a focus on those directly tied to major attacks. The targeted killing of Al-Issa marks a key moment in this broader effort, with the Israeli government viewing it as a strategic victory in its counterterrorism objectives.
