Israel Says Hamas Military Commander Mohammed Odeh Killed in Gaza Operation

Jerusalem — Israel has claimed that senior Hamas commander Mohammed Odeh was killed in an overnight airstrike in Gaza City, describing the operation as a major setback for Hamas’ military leadership.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike was carried out jointly by the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet after months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

In a post on X, Katz said Odeh, whom he described as the fourth commander of Hamas’ military wing in Gaza to be eliminated, had been “sent to meet his partners in the depths of hell.”

Israeli officials stated that Odeh had recently taken over as head of Hamas’ military wing after the reported killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad earlier this month.

Reports linked to Hamas sources in Gaza claimed that Odeh was killed along with his wife and sons during the strike.

Katz praised the military and intelligence agencies for what he called a “brilliant execution” of the operation and reiterated Israel’s commitment to targeting those linked to the October 7 attacks.

“We pledged to eliminate everyone who led the October 7 massacre, and that is what we will do,” Katz was quoted as saying by The Times of Israel. “They are all marked for death, everywhere.”

The Israeli minister also repeated Israel’s stated goal of dismantling Hamas’ control in Gaza and referred to plans involving what he termed “voluntary emigration” from the enclave.

In a joint statement, the IDF and Shin Bet said multiple buildings in Gaza City allegedly being used by Odeh and other Hamas operatives were targeted in the overnight operation.

The Israeli military also claimed that an apartment belonging to another Hamas member allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks was struck during the raid.

According to Israeli security agencies, Odeh previously headed Hamas intelligence operations before assuming leadership of the group’s military wing last week.

Israeli authorities alleged that he played a central role in planning the October 7 attacks on Israel and later directed intelligence and combat operations against Israeli troops during the ongoing conflict.

The agencies described Odeh as one of the last senior Hamas military figures allegedly connected to the October 7 assault and said his killing would significantly impact Hamas’ attempts to rebuild its military structure.

With inputs from IANS