Israel Eliminates Founding Hamas Military Leader Behind October 7 Attack in Gaza Airstrike

Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a founding Hamas military leader responsible for planning the Oct. 7 attack, was killed during a targeted airstrike on the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, Israel Defense Forces said

Israel’s military has confirmed the targeted killing of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a senior Hamas commander and one of the founding members of the group’s military wing. Al-Issa was eliminated in an airstrike on the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Al-Issa played a central role in orchestrating the October 7 attack that triggered the current war between Israel and Hamas. Israeli officials said he was a key planner behind the assault and one of the final original leaders of Hamas’ military wing still active.

According to the IDF, Al-Issa led Hamas’ combat support and military buildup operations, overseeing aerial and naval offensives against Israeli targets. He was also responsible for planning and executing the October 7 massacre that resulted in mass civilian casualties and hostages taken into Gaza.

Rubble from the same part of town in early June

Al-Issa served as the Head of Hamas' Training Headquarters and was considered a “key source of knowledge” within the organization. He helped rebuild Hamas’ military infrastructure over recent months and was instrumental in designing its command structure. He also co-founded the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades’ military academy, where thousands of fighters received training.

The IDF noted that Al-Issa’s death is part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle the upper ranks of Hamas’ leadership. He was reportedly killed while with his wife and grandson.

His death follows several recent high-profile eliminations by Israeli forces. Asaad Abu Sharia, head of the Mujahideen Brigades and allegedly responsible for the kidnapping and execution of hostages on October 7, was also killed during a joint IDF and Shin Bet operation in Gaza City.

In another recent operation, Hamas chief Mohammad Sinwar was killed in an airstrike targeting a hospital under which he was hiding. IDF troops later recovered his body from the tunnel system beneath the building.

Israeli officials have vowed to continue pursuing and eliminating all Hamas operatives involved in the October 7 attack as the conflict continues into its ninth month.