Israel’s latest airstrike has eliminated a top Hamas commander, intensifying the bloody campaign in Gaza.
The operation, though hailed by Israel, deepens civilian suffering and inflames global concerns over Gaza’s future.
Gaza City, Palestine: The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) have confirmed the targeted killing of Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a co-founder of Hamas and a senior figure in its military wing, during a deadly airstrike on Gaza City on Friday, June 27, 2025.
According to official military statements and reports from outlets such as NBC News and The Jerusalem Post, the operation took place in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza. Al-Issa was reportedly killed alongside his wife and grandson.
In a statement released by the IDF, Al-Issa was described as a critical architect of Hamas’ military operations. He was previously the head of the group’s training command and a member of its General Security Council. Israeli authorities allege he played a leading role in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attacks that triggered the ongoing war.
“Al-Issa led Hamas’ force build-up, training, and planning of the October 7 massacre,” the IDF stated on social media platform X (Twitter). “As Head of Combat Support, he advanced aerial and naval attack capabilities. The IDF and ISA will continue to eliminate all those involved in the massacre.”
Israel has intensified strikes in Gaza in recent days as part of its ongoing campaign to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure and leadership following the 2023 attacks that claimed hundreds of Israeli lives and resulted in the kidnapping of more than 240 hostages.
While Israel celebrated the elimination of a key militant figure, the humanitarian toll in Gaza continued to climb. According to Gaza’s civil defence agency, at least 37 people, including nine children, were killed on Saturday, June 28, following a series of airstrikes across the strip. Among the targets were a school sheltering displaced civilians and a residential house in Jabalia.
Two more civilians reportedly died while queuing for humanitarian aid in the Netzarim corridor, an area now heavily monitored by Israeli forces.
The United Nations reports that 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents, nearly 80 percent of the population, have been displaced, with over half being children. Infrastructure damage and limited access to basic services have further deepened the humanitarian emergency.
Economic fallout
The World Bank has warned that the Gaza conflict is accelerating economic collapse in the Palestinian territories. With much of Gaza’s infrastructure decimated and trade paralyzed, the bank now projects a significant contraction in the region’s economy throughout 2025 and into 2026.
The conflict, which began with the deadly Hamas raid into Israel on October 7, has fueled international concern over the long-term stability of the region. Calls for a ceasefire and renewed diplomacy have grown louder, but no breakthroughs have been achieved.
Despite mounting civilian casualties and economic turmoil, Israel has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all individuals linked to the October 7 attacks and dismantling Hamas’ military command structure.
