IDF Targets Senior Hamas Commander Linked to October 7 Attacks

On June 28, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the targeted killing of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a senior commander of Hamas, in an airstrike in Gaza City. This operation is part of Israel's broader campaign against Hamas leadership following the devastating attacks on October 7, 2023, that left over 1,400 Israelis dead and triggered ongoing military conflict in the region.

The IDF described Al-Issa as a founding member of Hamas’ military wing and a pivotal figure in orchestrating the October 7 massacre. According to an IDF statement, Al-Issa was instrumental in the planning and execution of the attacks, which involved a coordinated assault on southern Israel that included mass killings and abductions of civilians.

As head of combat support for Hamas, Al-Issa was responsible for advancing aerial and naval tactics against Israeli targets. His military career reportedly began with extensive combat experience acquired in Iraq and Syria before he relocated to Gaza from Syria in 2005. There, he co-founded the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades’ military academy, overseeing the training of thousands of fighters and enhancing the group’s capabilities.

Palestinian sources have reported that Al-Issa was killed alongside his wife and grandson, although this has yet to be independently verified. The IDF confirmed the operation's success and reiterated its commitment to eliminate all individuals associated with the October 7 attacks, stating, “The IDF and [Israel Security Agency] will continue to locate and eliminate all terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre.”

Al-Issa’s death highlights the ongoing Israeli military strategy aimed at dismantling the leadership of Hamas, which has been categorized as a terrorist organization by many countries, including the United States and members of the European Union. The operation follows the recent elimination of Ali Saadi Wasfi al-Agha, another senior figure linked to militant activities.

Experts suggest that the targeted killing of such high-profile figures may have significant implications for the operational capabilities of Hamas. Dr. Emily Rosen, a political analyst at the Middle East Institute, stated, “While the elimination of Al-Issa could disrupt Hamas's immediate capabilities, the group's structure allows for rapid succession and adaptation, meaning that leadership losses do not necessarily translate to diminished operational effectiveness.”

This event comes amid heightened tensions and ongoing military operations in Gaza, where Israel has intensified airstrikes against what it claims are Hamas military infrastructure and leadership. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with over 2 million Palestinians affected by the ongoing violence and displacement.

In light of these developments, the international community continues to call for a ceasefire and diplomatic solutions to the conflict. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasized the necessity for dialogue and negotiations to prevent further escalation and to address the humanitarian needs on both sides of the conflict. “The cycle of violence must end, and we must work towards a sustainable peace that addresses the underlying issues,” stated Guterres during a recent press conference.

The assassination of Al-Issa demonstrates Israel’s ongoing resolve to hold accountable those responsible for the October 7 attacks while also raising questions about the long-term effectiveness of such military strategies in addressing the complex dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As Hamas remains a resilient entity, the potential for further violence and retaliatory actions looms, creating a precarious situation for both Israelis and Palestinians as they navigate this turbulent period.