Israel announced on Wednesday that it had killed Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza, during an airstrike on Tuesday. This follows the killing of his predecessor, Ezzedine al-Haddad, in a similar attack earlier this month.
Israeli Officials Confirm the Strike
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that Odeh was 'eliminated yesterday and sent to meet his associates in the depths of hell.' In a joint statement with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Katz said, 'We committed ourselves to eliminating everyone who led the October 7 massacre, and that is what we will do: they are all marked for death, wherever they may be.' The statement noted that Odeh had served as head of Hamas intelligence during the October 7 attack and was appointed as Haddad's successor approximately one week ago.
Casualties and Damage
A relative of Odeh confirmed his death to Reuters, stating the funeral would take place after noon prayers in Gaza City. Gaza health officials reported that six people, including at least one woman, were killed and more than 20 others wounded in the strike, which destroyed the upper floor of an apartment building in the Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City. Emergency teams arrived at the scene following the Israeli airstrike.
Hamas has not issued an official statement, but a family statement said Odeh was killed along with his wife and son.
Broader Military Operations
Hours before the attack, Israel announced expanded ground operations in Lebanon, where it has been fighting Iran-allied Hezbollah militants. Netanyahu said after meeting with defence officials that Israel will expand its operations in Lebanon, stating, 'The IDF are operating with large forces on the ground and seizing strategic areas.' Israel is also intensifying military activities in the West Bank.
Ceasefire Talks Stalled
Israel and Hamas remain deadlocked in indirect talks over implementing the second phase of a ceasefire deal, which includes Hamas's disarmament and Israeli army withdrawals. Defence Minister Katz said Hamas would no longer exercise civilian or military control over Gaza, and a plan for 'voluntary migration' from the enclave would be implemented 'at the right time and in the right way.' This displacement plan is backed by hard-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and was previously supported by US President Donald Trump before being abandoned.
In February, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk denounced plans 'aimed at making a permanent demographic change in Gaza.'
Casualty Figures
Approximately 900 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes since the truce came into effect, according to Gaza health officials, who do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. Four Israeli soldiers have been killed by militants during the same period, according to the Israeli military.
Previous Hamas Leaders Killed
Israel has previously killed Hamas's former political chief Ismail Haniyeh, Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar (mastermind of the October 7 attack), longtime armed wing commander Mohammed Deif, and Mohammed Sinwar, who succeeded his brother as Gaza chief. Israeli strikes have also targeted Hamas operatives in Lebanon and senior Hezbollah commanders, including former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.
Situation in Lebanon
Israel's military clashed with Hezbollah along a strategic river in southern Lebanon as Israeli troops pushed northward, ahead of talks in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli delegations. A US-brokered ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict appears increasingly fragile. The Lebanese government hopes direct talks with Israel will lead to a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, but Hezbollah opposes such talks. Israel insists it will not withdraw until Hezbollah no longer threatens its northern towns, while Hezbollah vows to fight until Israel stops airstrikes and withdraws troops.
