Senior Hamas Commander killed in Israeli airstrike

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Israel Securities Authority, confirmed the targeted killing of a top Hamas commander,

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), in coordination with the Israel Securities Authority, confirmed the targeted killing of a top Hamas commander, Hakham Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, during an airstrike in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.

Al-Issa, a co-founder of Hamas and a senior leader in its military wing, was reportedly among the few high-ranking officials of the group still operating in the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli military sources, he held a key leadership position as the head of Hamas’ Combat Support Headquarters and served on the group’s General Security Council.

The IDF identified Al-Issa as a key architect behind Hamas’ military infrastructure in Gaza, heavily involved in the training and expansion of the group’s armed capabilities. He is also believed to have played a role in orchestrating the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israeli territory, which led to the deaths of more than 1,200 people and the abduction of over 250 others. Israeli officials stated that about 50 hostages remain in captivity in Gaza, with 28 presumed dead.

Mounting Civilian Toll in Gaza

While the Israeli military continues its targeted operations, the humanitarian cost in Gaza has continued to rise sharply. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the conflict has claimed the lives of 56,412 Palestinians and left more than 133,000 injured.

However, an investigative report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz disputes these figures, suggesting that the actual death toll is likely far higher. Citing undisclosed sources, the publication claimed the real number of fatalities in Gaza since October 7 may have surpassed 100,000, raising further alarm over the scale of destruction and civilian suffering.

Israeli Strikes Extend Beyond Gaza

The conflict has also spilled over into other parts of the region. In a recent incident, an Israeli drone reportedly violated the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, killing two civilians and injuring two more in a targeted strike.

According to data collected by a U.S.-based non-governmental organization, Israel has significantly expanded its military campaign over the last 20 months, launching approximately 18,000 strikes across multiple countries including Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iran.

In Lebanon alone, over 15,000 Israeli air raids have been reported, resulting in more than 1,500 civilian deaths. Syria has witnessed around 200 Israeli attacks in the past six months, many of them targeting military installations.

In Yemen, 39 Israeli strikes have been documented, primarily focusing on airports and seaports—facilities critical for humanitarian aid and logistics.

Between June 13 and June 23, Israel reportedly launched 146 attacks on Iranian territory. These airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of 606 Iranians, including women and children, and left more than 5,000 people wounded, according to the same report.