Hamas co-founder Hakam Muhammad Issa Al-Issa killed

TEL AVIV: Israel has killed Hakam Muhammad Issa Al-Issa, one of the co-founders of Hamas in Gaza. According to the Israeli military, he was killed in an airstrike on Friday in the Sabra area of Gaza City.

Issa was one of the senior Hamas leaders still remaining in Gaza. He was reportedly one of the masterminds behind the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack on Israel and had trained thousands of members in Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades.

Meanwhile, Israel, signalling an escalation in its offensive, has advised civilians to evacuate several areas in northern Gaza. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and demanded the release of hostages.

Trump’s statement comes amid the resumption of mediation talks for a potential ceasefire. Yesterday, 45 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks. The total death toll in Gaza has now exceeded 56,500.