Israel reports killing of Mohammad Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas' military wing in Gaza, as it intensifies operations in Lebanon and expands ground activities.
Israel has announced the death of Mohammad Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza. The Israeli military Odeh was killed during an operation on Tuesday. This comes days after Israel eliminated his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad. According to reports, Odeh served as the intelligence chief at the time of a 2023 cross-border attack into Israel and was appointed to replace Haddad only a week ago.
A relative confirmed Odeh’s death to, adding that his funeral would take place after noon prayers in Gaza City. Meanwhile, Gaza health officials reported six casualties, including one woman, from the same Israeli strike that destroyed an upper floor of an apartment building in Rimal neighbourhood. Rescue workers were still searching for possible additional victims.
Hamas has yet to issue a formal statement on Odeh’s death. A family statement said he was killed along with his wife and son. Israel claims Odeh was involved in the 2023 attack, which killed over 1,200 people inside its borders.
In related developments, Israel announced an expansion of ground operations in Lebanon, where it has been fighting Hezbollah militants since February. The Israeli military also intensified activities in the West Bank. These actions follow a period of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas aimed at implementing the second phase of a ceasefire deal, which includes disarmament and army withdrawals.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz Hamas would no longer exercise control over Gaza’s civilian or military affairs and that a plan for “voluntary migration” from the enclave would be implemented. Since the truce began, 900 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, according to Gaza health officials, with four Israeli soldiers also losing their lives.
Israel has vowed to eliminate anyone involved in the October 2023 attacks and has killed dozens of Hamas leaders since the start of the Gaza war. The conflict has claimed over 72,000 lives, mostly civilians, since it began in October 2023. Israel maintains that its post-ceasefire strikes are aimed at preventing further attacks or stopping individuals from approaching its armistice line with Hamas.
