Hamas co-founder killed in Gaza, Israel says
Illustrative photo: Israel kills a Hamas leader (Getty Images)
The Israeli Defense Forces announced the killing of Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, one of the key founders of the military wing of Hamas. The operation was carried out in Gaza City, reports The Hill.
According to the Israeli military, Al-Issa was one of the key figures involved in a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed more than 1,200 people and took about 250 more hostages.
The Israeli side also claims that Al-Issa has been actively working to rebuild Hamas' infrastructure in Gaza, which was destroyed during the war.
ELIMINATED: eliminated Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa—one of the founders of Hamas’ military wing.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 28, 2025
Issa led Hamas’ force build-up, training, and planned the October 7 massacre. As Head of Combat Support, he advanced aerial & naval attacks against Israelis.
The IDF & ISA will… pic.twitter.com/pzf7DgQc19
The Israeli Armed Forces believe that he was one of the last high-ranking officials of the group to remain in the enclave.
Over the past year, Israel has eliminated a number of other influential Hamas figures, including leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar.
Operations against the militants continue amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
International reaction
On Saturday, tens of thousands of people came to Hostages Square in Tel Aviv to demand an end to the war and the return of the captives.
Some of the protesters called on the United States, in particular President Donald Trump, to intervene and help end the fighting. Similar protests were held in other Israeli cities.
Trump said on Friday that a ceasefire could come as early as next week, but there has been no official confirmation of these agreements.
Israel's war with Hamas
Israel decided to completely destroy Hamas after the militants invaded Israeli territory in 2023 and attacked civilians.
Despite attempts at a ceasefire between the warring parties, hostilities continue to this day.
Only a month ago, Israel launched a new operation in the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that his goal is to gain full control over the Palestinian enclave.
