The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that they, alongside the Israel Securities Authority, executed a strike in Gaza City that resulted in the death of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a co-founder of Hamas. The operation targeted the Sabra area of the city.
Described by the IDF as a pivotal figure in Hamas, Al-Issa held significant positions within the group prior to the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023. According to the IDF, “Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa was a key source of knowledge and one of the last remaining senior Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip who held high-ranking positions before October 7th, 2023.”
At the time of his death, Al-Issa was the head of Hamas’ combat support headquarters and was also a member of the General Security Council. His past roles included leadership in the group’s efforts to strengthen its military presence in Gaza and oversight of training operations.
The IDF asserted that Al-Issa was significantly involved in orchestrating the deadly attacks that occurred on October 7, although specific details regarding his contributions to the massacre were not disclosed. The Hamas assault resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of more than 250 individuals. Nearly two years later, 50 individuals are still reported to be held captive in Gaza; however, it is believed that 28 of them have died.
The retaliatory strikes by Israel have led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with reports indicating over 56,000 fatalities and many more injured and displaced, confronting severe shortages of essential resources such as food, water, and medical supplies.
On the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of a ceasefire emerging in the coming week, though it remains uncertain whether it would be temporary or permanent, or if it might include any prisoner exchange, as was seen in past agreements.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, the IDF has stated that Al-Issa was instrumental in reconstructing Hamas’ operational capabilities damaged by Israeli military actions, while also intensifying attacks against Israeli targets within Gaza. The IDF reiterated its commitment to “locate and eliminate all terrorists from the different terrorist organizations who took part in the brutal October 7th massacre.” Since the onset of hostilities, Israel has successfully targeted several high-ranking Hamas leaders, including the chief Mohammed Sinwar, who was killed in May.