TARGETED ‘EXECUTION’ IDF ‘assassinates Hamas mastermind of October 7’ who founded terror group’s military wing in targeted Israeli airstrike

Israel’s military “eliminated” a founding Hamas military leader responsible for planning the Oct. 7 attack, Tel Aviv officials claimed Saturday.

| Published June 28, 2025

Palestinian reports say Hamas military trainer Hakham Al-Issa was killed in Gaza strike, marking another blow to the terror group’s leadership and operational infrastructure

🕵️‍♂️ Who Was Hakham Muhammad Issa Al‑Issa?

• According to the IDF, Hakham Muhammad Issa Al‑Issa was one of the founding leaders of Hamas’s Izz al‑Din al‑Qassam Brigades, serving in key roles such as Head of Combat Support and Training HQ. He was deeply involved in preparing Hamas’s aerial, naval, and ground tactics for the October 7, 2023 massacre

• He co-founded the military academy responsible for training thousands of militants and, since arriving from Syria in 2005, was instrumental in rebuilding Hamas’s military infrastructure

Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, a founding Hamas military leader responsible for planning the Oct. 7 attack, was killed during a targeted airstrike on the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City, Israel Defense Forces said.IDF

🎯 The Strike & Its Significance

• On June 28, 2025, the IDF confirmed Al‑Issa was “eliminated” in a precision airstrike targeting Gaza City’s Sabra neighborhood

• The operation is portrayed as part of Israel’s intensified campaign to systematically “locate and eliminate” those responsible for the October 7 atrocities, following recent successful strikes on other militant leaders

• Israel’s Shin Bet (internal security service) is said to have cooperated closely in gathering intelligence and executing the operation .

🌍 Broader Context: Strategic Gains & Human Costs

• The AP reports that while Israel claims strategic victories—including significantly weakening Hamas, Hezbollah, and broader Iranian proxy networks—these gains come at an enormous human cost, especially in Gaza

• The crackdown has been widely criticized for causing tens of thousands of civilian deaths, leading to regional instability and fueling international condemnation

• Analysts warn that despite these targeted successes, deeper geopolitical challenges remain, including the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process and concerns Iran might accelerate its nuclear ambitions

Al-Issa was said to be one of the masterminds behind the bloody October 7 attacksCredit: EPA

He was described as a founding member of Hamas’ military wing, who had led the force build-up, training and planned the massacreCredit: Getty

 Implications

🔥 1. Military Implications

• Tactical Victory for Israel: Al‑Issa was considered irreplaceable due to his long tenure, deep operational knowledge, and training leadership. His removal likely disrupts Hamas’s military planning, recruitment, and command.

• Short-Term Chaos in Hamas Ranks: Leadership gaps may cause confusion or power struggles, delaying coordinated actions by Hamas brigades.

• Possible Retaliation: Hamas or affiliated groups (e.g., Islamic Jihad or Hezbollah) may attempt reprisal attacks in Israel or the West Bank, potentially escalating regional tensions.

🕊️ 2. Strategic & Political Implications

• Message of Deterrence: Israel is signaling that anyone involved in the October 7 massacre remains a target—no matter how long it takes or where they hide.

• Internal Support for Netanyahu: This strike may bolster political support for PM Netanyahu’s government, particularly among hardliners demanding results after months of conflict.

• Strain on Ceasefire or Hostage Talks: The timing could complicate negotiations by hardening Hamas’s stance or delaying indirect talks mediated by Egypt, Qatar, or the U.S.

🌍 3. International & Humanitarian Implications

• Global Reactions Divided: Allies like the U.S. may support Israel’s right to self-defense, but international critics and human rights groups could condemn the civilian deaths (his wife and grandson were reportedly killed too).

• Fuel for Anti-Israel Sentiment: In parts of the Muslim world, this could trigger renewed protests or unrest, portraying the strike as extrajudicial killing.

• Increased Civilian Risk: As Israel intensifies leadership-targeting strikes, collateral damage is likely to rise—raising moral and legal debates around proportionality.

🧠 4. Symbolic Impact

• Al‑Issa’s death marks a psychological win for Israelis still grieving October 7.

• But for Hamas supporters, it could martyrize him, fueling further radicalization—especially among Gaza’s youth.

Overall Takeaway: A Reminder of the Power of Decisive Action

The elimination of top Hamas operative Hakham Muhammad Issa Al‑Issa—carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)—highlights the impact of precise, intelligence-driven counterterrorism. Though it was not a U.S. operation, it reflects the broader principle that clear threats must be confronted with strength, not hesitation.

The strike serves as both a tactical victory and a strategic message: those who orchestrate mass violence and terror will eventually be held accountable. As the region continues to face instability, this action underscores the importance of supporting allied nations that take bold, calculated steps to protect their people and dismantle terrorist networks.

In a world increasingly shaped by complex threats, this operation is a reminder that peace often begins with the resolve to act.

SOURCES: THE NEW YORK POST – Hamas leader and Oct. 7 mastermind Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa killed in airstrike: IDF

GB NEWS – Israel ‘eliminates’ Hamas mastermind behind October 7 attack in IDF strike

YNET NEWS – IDF eliminates Hamas founder linked to October 7 attack in Gaza

THE US SUN – TARGETED ‘EXECUTION’ IDF ‘assassinates Hamas mastermind of October 7’ who founded terror group’s military wing in targeted Israeli airstrike