Marwan Issa - A senior Hamas official whom the US announced was eliminated by Israel

A high-ranking Hamas official, Marwan Issa, reportedly targeted multiple times by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), has been confirmed killed in an airstrike, according to the White House.

Despite Israel not yet making an official statement, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan verified the news on Monday. Born in the al-Burij refugee camp, Issa joined Hamas' military wing at 19 and rose through the ranks, playing a significant role in various attacks.

During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Issa served time in Israeli and Palestinian Authority prisons for his involvement in terrorist activities. 

Upon his release, he resumed terrorist operations, eventually leading an assault on a Palestinian Authority prison in 2005, resulting in multiple deaths. 

Issa's leadership in orchestrating attacks against civilians was marked by his assertion that the battleground should extend to settlers' homes.

Known for meticulous planning, Issa conducted surveillance on targets before terrorist operations, personally overseeing each step. 

Despite surviving previous attempts on his life, including being injured in 2006 and losing family members to Israeli counterattacks, Issa continued to operate within Gaza, showing a preference for remaining close to his roots in the central camps.

Although there was speculation about his leadership role within Hamas' military wing, his exact position remained unclear. However, recent events confirm his significant influence within the organization. 

The IDF's repeated attempts to eliminate Issa underscored his strategic importance as a key figure in Hamas' operations.