Israel says it killed the newly appointed commander of Hamas' military wing, Mohammed Odeh, in a strike in northern Gaza on Monday, just days after his predecessor was slain in similar attack.
Odeh, who Israel considered a key planner of the October 7, 2023, massacre, had been monitored by Israeli intelligence for months and died in an operation targeting sites in Gaza City, which he “used to hideout,†Israel's military and security agency said in a joint statement.
“His elimination constitutes a significant blow to the Hamas terrorist organization's rehabilitation efforts,†said the statement.
Odeh was a member of the military council of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and the head of intelligence for the Hamas military wing. He was considered by Israel to be the leader of the military wing of Hamas after former leader Izz al-Din al-Haddad was assassinated earlier this month.
“Hamas' intelligence headquarters, under Odeh's command, aided and advanced Hamas' terrorist activities and operations, posing a threat to IDF troops and Israeli civilians,†said the Israeli statement.
Basem Naim, a member of Hamas' political bureau, acknowledged Oudeh's death on social media and described him as “heroic martyr.â€
Odeh's family mourned his death, referring to his nom de guerre Abu Amro, in a post on the family's official Facebook page. Five members of the Odeh family were killed in the attack, the post said.
Israel has also assassinated other senior Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, his brother Mohammed Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif.
This post has been updated with additional developments.
