Israeli Airstrike Kills Senior Hamas Commander In Gaza City

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed on Saturday that an airstrike in Gaza City’s Sabra neighbourhood killed Hakham Muhammad Issa Al‑Issa, a senior Hamas commander allegedly central to the group’s military buildup and the October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel.

Strike coordinated with Shin Bet

The IDF said it carried out the Friday‑evening strike in coordination with the Shin Bet domestic security agency.

Military officials described Al‑Issa as a founding member of Hamas’s military wing who played a ‘significant role in the planning and execution’ of the October 7 attack that left at least 1,200 people dead and more than 200 hostages taken into Gaza.

Role in Hamas Military operations

According to the IDF statement, Al‑Issa recently headed the combat‑support headquarters of Hamas’s military wing, overseeing aerial and naval attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers.

He also led efforts to rebuild operational infrastructure during the ongoing conflict.

Previously, he commanded Hamas’s training headquarters and served on its general security council.

Military officials described him as one of the last senior Hamas operatives remaining in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas yet to respond

Hamas has not commented on Israel’s claim. The strike comes after Israel resumed its military campaign on March 18, ending a two‑month ceasefire with the militant group.

Israeli forces continued operations elsewhere, bombing Al‑Masdar village in central Gaza and areas east of Jabalia in the north on Monday, according to the Palestinian news agency WAFA.

The latest escalation underscores the fragile security situation in Gaza as both sides brace for further confrontation.

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