ISLAMABAD: In a major development in the ongoing conflict, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the killing of Hamas co-founder Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa in an airstrike targeting the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City on Friday.
Al-Issa was a senior figure within Hamas’ military structure and played a crucial role in the group’s operations and leadership. He was reported to be the head of Hamas’ combat support headquarters and a member of its General Security Council.
According to the IDF, Al-Issa was instrumental in planning and strengthening Hamas’ military infrastructure in Gaza.
Israeli authorities also linked him to the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the abduction of more than 250 individuals.
Though the IDF did not release specific details about his role in the attack, his removal is being viewed as a strategic blow to Hamas’ operational command.
As of now, approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with 28 presumed dead.
Death Toll in Gaza Surpasses 100,000
The Ministry of Health in Gaza has officially reported 56,412 deaths and over 133,000 injuries since the escalation began in October 2023.
However, a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz claims the actual death toll may have exceeded 100,000 due to underreporting or lack of access to certain regions.
Israeli Military Activity Spreads Beyond Gaza
In addition to operations in Gaza, Israel has conducted approximately 18,000 military strikes across Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran in the past 20 months.
In Lebanon alone, over 1,500 people have died in more than 15,000 airstrikes.
Recent drone strikes also reportedly killed two Lebanese civilians and injured others, violating an active ceasefire agreement.
In Syria, over 200 Israeli attacks have been recorded in the last six months, while Yemen has seen 39 strikes, mainly targeting infrastructure.
Between June 13 and 23, Israel allegedly carried out 146 attacks on Iran, killing over 600 people and injuring thousands, including children.
