By Emeka Blast 
Major Blow to Hamas: Israel Eliminates Key Military Wing Founder
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Friday that it had successfully eliminated Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a founding member of Hamas’s military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, in a targeted airstrike in the Gaza Strip. The operation, conducted in coordination with the Shin Bet security agency, marks a significant blow to the Palestinian militant group, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, and others.
According to an IDF statement, Al-Issa was a key figure in Hamas’s military buildup, overseeing training programs, advancing aerial and naval attack capabilities, and playing a central role in planning the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw over 250 taken hostage. As Head of Combat Support, Al-Issa was instrumental in coordinating logistics and operations for the group’s militant activities. “The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against anyone involved in terrorist activities against the State of Israel,” the statement read, emphasizing ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s leadership.
The strike, carried out in Gaza on Friday, targeted a location where intelligence indicated Al-Issa’s presence, though specific details about the operation’s location and execution remain undisclosed. Posts on X reflected immediate reactions, with some users describing the operation as a “major achievement” in Israel’s campaign against Hamas, while others noted the group’s history of replacing fallen leaders swiftly. The IDF has not released further information on civilian casualties, if any, prompting concerns from humanitarian groups, given past strikes’ impact on Gaza’s densely populated areas.
Al-Issa’s elimination follows a series of high-profile Israeli operations targeting Hamas leadership. In July 2024, Mohammed Deif, the long-time commander of the Qassam Brigades, was killed in an airstrike in Khan Younis. Weeks later, Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’s political chief, was assassinated in Tehran, and in October 2024, Yahya Sinwar, a key architect of the October 7 attack, was killed in Rafah. Most recently, Mohammed Sinwar, another senior military figure, was confirmed dead in a May 2025 strike. These losses have significantly disrupted Hamas’s command structure, though analysts warn the group’s ability to recruit and reorganize persists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a press conference, described the operation as part of Israel’s broader strategy to “eliminate the terrorist threat posed by Hamas.” He reiterated the government’s commitment to securing the release of the remaining 54 hostages held in Gaza, 23 of whom are believed to be alive, according to Israeli intelligence. “We are reshaping the security landscape of the region,” Netanyahu stated, referencing recent strikes against Hezbollah and Iranian targets.
Hamas has not officially confirmed Al-Issa’s death, consistent with its pattern of delayed responses to leadership losses. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official based abroad, condemned Israel’s actions, stating on Al-Aqsa TV that such strikes “will only strengthen our resolve.” He reiterated Hamas’s demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and an end to hostilities before any hostage release negotiations.
The operation comes amid escalating regional tensions, with Israel intensifying strikes in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria following the collapse of a January 2025 ceasefire. The Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas, reports over 54,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, though these figures are disputed by Israel. International calls for a renewed ceasefire have grown, with UN human rights chief Volker Türk criticizing the lack of civilian protections in recent strikes.
The elimination of Al-Issa, a foundational figure in Hamas’s military operations, underscores Israel’s ongoing campaign to dismantle the group’s capabilities. However, with Hamas’s leadership abroad still active and recruitment ongoing, the path to lasting stability remains uncertain.
