The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, who is described as one of the founders of Hamas' military wing and played a key role in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
According to the IDF, Al-Issa is one of the last senior Hamas units left in Gaza. He directed the process of building forces, training and planning the attack that killed about 1,200 people and took 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched a major military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, using large-scale artillery and airstrikes, causing heavy damage to the densely populated area.
Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa is believed to have been killed in an airstrike in Gaza with his wife and nephew. According to the IDF, Al-Issa has played a leading role in the Command's support of operations, promoting air and sea attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip. Al-Issa has also been a former head of the training command and a member of Hamas's General Security Council.
The IDF confirmed on May 13 that it had killed Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar in an airstrike in Khan Younis city, southern Gaza. The attack destroyed an underground command and control center placed under the European Hospital, where Sinwar and several senior leaders were hiding.
Meanwhile, Hamas has repeatedly denied Israeli allegations that the group has military facilities in residential areas or near civilian facilities.
In December last year, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced responsibility for the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran at the end of July 2024. Haniyeh, who led indirect ceasefire talks with Israel, was killed by an explosive device.
Israel has stepped up ground attacks in Gaza after negotiations over the fate of the remaining hostages were stalled. According to the Hamas-controlled health agency in Gaza, more than 55,600 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have died during the conflict in the area.
