Israel has killed Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas’ armed forces, in a pair of airstrikes in Gaza City. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement confirming the targeted assassination late Tuesday.
The strike is the latest development in the ongoing conflict triggered by the October 7, 2023 massacres, as Israeli forces continue operations to dismantle the remaining militant leadership across the territory amid a fragile ceasefire.
The strikes hit a multi-story residential building on the eve of the Eid al-Azha festival. Palestinian medical sources reported the attack resulted in at least three deaths and left 12 others critically injured, according to a report by The Hindu detailing the casualty figures.
Hamas has not yet issued a public statement confirming or denying the death of its military commander.
Odeh’s tenure at the top of the al-Qassam Brigades was notably brief. He assumed the role just over a week ago following the death of his predecessor, Ezzedine al-Haddad, who was killed in a similar Israeli airstrike on May 15.
The joint announcement from Netanyahu and Katz identified Odeh as one of the primary architects and the head of Hamas intelligence during the initial 2023 incursions. The operation aligns directly with Israel’s ongoing campaign targeting the command structure in Gaza.