Israel claims to have eliminated Hamas co-founder in an airstrike on Gaza City.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Securities Authority announced the death of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a co-founder of Hamas, during a strike in Gaza City on Friday. Al-Issa was targeted in the Sabra area of the city, where the IDF described him as a significant source of knowledge and one of the last senior Hamas figures remaining in the Gaza Strip prior to October 7, 2023.

According to the IDF, Al-Issa held a high-ranking position within Hamas’s military wing and was instrumental in founding both the organization and its armed section. At the time of his death, he was serving as the head of Hamas’ combat support headquarters and was also part of the group’s General Security Council.

The IDF noted his past leadership in efforts to bolster Hamas’s forces in Gaza as well as overseeing their training initiatives. The IDF holds Al-Issa responsible for his significant involvement in planning the October 7th massacre, during which over 1,200 people in Israel lost their lives, and more than 250 were taken hostage.

Nearly two years later, it is believed that 50 of those hostages are still in captivity in Gaza, with 28 presumed dead. The aftermath of Israel’s retaliation has resulted in over 56,000 deaths in Gaza, alongside countless injuries, widespread displacement, and severe shortages of basic resources including food and medical supplies.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a potential ceasefire in the coming week, although details such as its duration and any possible prisoner exchanges remain unclear. Throughout the ongoing conflict, Al-Issa was reportedly focused on restoring Hamas’ organizational structure compromised by IDF strikes and promoting attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

The IDF committed to continuing its efforts to locate and eliminate all individuals involved in planning the October 7th massacre, further intensifying their campaign against Hamas leadership.