ISRAEL SAYS IT KILLED HAMAS’ NEW MILITARY CHIEF IN GAZA

Israel said Wednesday that it killed Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas’ armed wing in Gaza, in an Israeli strike the previous day. Hamas confirmed Odeh’s death and said he was killed along with his wife and two of his children in an airstrike on Gaza City, according to the Associated Press. Reuters also reported that a relative confirmed Odeh’s death and said a funeral would be held after noon prayers in Gaza City.

Odeh’s death came less than two weeks after Israel killed his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who had led Hamas’ military wing in Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called Odeh “one of the architects” of the October 7, 2023, attacks and said Israel would continue targeting Hamas leaders involved in that assault.

The strike took place on the eve of Eid al-Adha, a major Muslim holiday. AP reported that at least five people, including Odeh and family members, were killed and 12 were injured in the Gaza City strike, citing local hospitals. Thousands later gathered for the funeral, while Gaza residents described a subdued holiday shaped by displacement, grief, and continuing violence.

Israel has framed the strike as part of a continuing campaign to dismantle Hamas’ command structure after the October 2023 attacks, which killed about 1,200 people in Israel and saw 251 taken hostage. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also threatened further action against anyone involved in the October 7 attack.

The killing adds to a pattern of senior Hamas figures being targeted during the current ceasefire period. AP reported that the ceasefire reached in October remains fragile, with Israeli attacks killing more than 880 Palestinians since it took effect. Israel says its strikes respond to Hamas violations or threats to Israeli soldiers, while Palestinian health officials say civilians are among those killed. Four Israeli soldiers have also died during the ceasefire period in Gaza.

The broader humanitarian situation remains severe. AP reported that around 90% of Gaza’s more than 2 million people have lost their homes, according to U.N. estimates, with many sheltering in tent camps and relying on aid. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 72,800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the war began, though the ministry does not separate civilian and militant deaths.

Odeh’s death may weaken Hamas’ military leadership in Gaza, but it does not resolve the wider conflict. Israel is continuing targeted strikes while Hamas remains active, the ceasefire remains unstable, and civilians continue to face displacement, shortages, and danger. The immediate question is whether the killing produces further military escalation or becomes another step in a long-running campaign of targeted leadership strikes.

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