Israel has claimed responsibility for killing senior Hamas figure Mohammad Odeh in a targeted airstrike in Gaza City, marking another major development in the ongoing conflict that has devastated Gaza and intensified instability across the region.
According to Reuters, the Israeli military said the strike was carried out on Tuesday and resulted in the death of Odeh, who was reportedly recently appointed to a senior leadership role within Hamas’ armed wing. The announcement came only days after Israel said it had killed another top Hamas military commander, signaling a continued campaign focused on dismantling the group’s leadership structure.
A relative of Odeh confirmed his death to Reuters and said funeral prayers would take place in Gaza City after noon prayers. A statement attributed to the family claimed that Odeh’s wife and son were also killed in the strike, although Hamas has not officially confirmed either his death or his reported appointment as the group’s armed wing commander.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Mohammad Odeh previously led Hamas’ intelligence operations during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Netanyahu added that Odeh had been elevated to a key military leadership role roughly one week ago following the reported killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad earlier this month.
Sources familiar with Hamas’ internal structure described Odeh as a likely successor within the organization’s military hierarchy. However, no formal public announcement regarding his leadership position had been issued by Hamas.
The strike reportedly targeted a residential building in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood. Gaza health authorities said at least six people, including a woman, were killed in the attack, while more than 20 others suffered injuries. Rescue workers continued search efforts amid concerns that additional victims could remain trapped beneath the rubble after the upper floor of the building collapsed.
The latest operation comes as Israel expands military activity across several fronts, including renewed ground operations in Lebanon and intensified raids and strikes in the occupied West Bank. Regional tensions have remained high as diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation continue to face setbacks.
Israeli officials maintain that the military campaign is aimed at weakening Hamas and preventing future attacks. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Hamas would no longer retain civilian or military authority in Gaza and referred to plans involving what he described as “voluntary migration” from the territory.
The war began after Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which Israeli authorities say killed around 1,200 people. Since then, Gaza health officials say tens of thousands of Palestinians have died during Israel’s military offensive, with large numbers reported to be civilians. Israel has repeatedly stated that it takes measures to minimize civilian casualties during operations.
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