The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the killing of Hamas co-founder Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa in a targeted airstrike on Friday. The strike hit the Sabra neighborhood in Gaza City. Al-Issa was a senior leader in Hamas’ military wing and led the group’s combat support operations. He was also a key member of Hamas’ General Security Council, making him one of the highest-ranking officials still active in Gaza.
The IDF claimed Al-Issa was instrumental in Hamas’ military buildup and training. They also linked him to the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which killed more than 1,200 people and led to the abduction of over 250 individuals. Although his exact role in the attack was not detailed, his death is seen as a major blow to Hamas’ leadership. Currently, about 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 28 believed to be dead.
Meanwhile, the human toll in Gaza continues to rise. The Ministry of Health in Gaza has reported 56,412 deaths and 133,056 injuries since October 2023. However, Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports that the real death toll may be far higher. According to their sources, more than 100,000 people may have been killed, pointing to gaps in official reporting due to destroyed hospitals and ongoing airstrikes.
At the same time, Israel has again broken a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon. An Israeli drone strike killed two Lebanese civilians and injured two others. This is part of Israel’s broader military campaign across the Middle East. The country has carried out 18,000 attacks over the past 20 months in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran.
According to a U.S.-based NGO, Israel has launched 15,000 strikes in Lebanon, killing over 1,500 people. In Syria, 200 attacks have occurred in just six months. Yemen has faced 39 strikes, mainly targeting airports and ports. Most alarming are the recent attacks in Iran: between June 13 and June 23, 146 strikes killed 606 Iranians — including children — and left over 5,000 injured, raising fears of a broader regional war.