In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter), the IDF confirmed that Al-Issa was “eliminated” in a precision airstrike carried out in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.
“Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, one of the founders of Hamas’ military wing and a senior operational commander, was targeted and eliminated,” the IDF said.
Who Was Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa?
According to Israeli intelligence, Al-Issa was a founding member of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing. He held the influential role of Head of Combat Support, where he oversaw the group's aerial and naval operations, as well as force build-up, strategic planning, and combat training.
The IDF alleges that Al-Issa played a “significant role in the planning and execution” of the October 7 attacks, during which 1,320 Israelis were killed and more than 251 people were taken hostage. He also served as Head of the Training Headquarters, where he led efforts to prepare Hamas operatives for attacks against Israeli targets.
Co-Founder of Hamas Military Academy
In addition to his operational leadership, Al-Issa reportedly co-founded the Hamas military academy, where thousands of fighters were trained over the past two decades. This institution played a central role in the development of Hamas’ militant capabilities in Gaza.
Al-Issa arrived in Gaza from Syria in 2005, and in recent months, he had been instrumental in rebuilding Hamas’ damaged command structure following repeated Israeli strikes during the ongoing conflict.
Strategic Blow to Hamas Leadership
The IDF described Al-Issa as “one of the last remaining senior Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip,” adding that his death represents a significant blow to the group's operational leadership. The targeted airstrike was conducted jointly by the IDF and the Israeli Security Agency (ISA).
“The IDF and ISA will continue to locate and eliminate all terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre,” the Israeli military said.
Al-Issa’s elimination marks one of the highest-profile assassinations of a Hamas commander since the beginning of the war in Gaza in October 2023. The conflict was triggered by Hamas’ cross-border attack into southern Israel, which led to an unprecedented death toll and the capture of hostages, many of whom are still believed to be held in Gaza.
Regional and International Response
There has been no immediate confirmation or response from Hamas officials regarding Al-Issa’s death. The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes and a deepening humanitarian crisis affecting civilians across the territory.
International observers continue to monitor developments as both Israel and Hamas trade accusations over violations of international law, while ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.
