The Israeli military has announced the killing of Muhammad Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, in an airstrike in Gaza.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz described Odeh as one of the “architects” of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel.
According to Israeli officials, Odeh previously headed Hamas intelligence operations during the October 7 assault and had been appointed leader of the Al-Qassam Brigades about a week ago after the killing of his predecessor, Ezzedine Al-Haddad, in another Israeli strike earlier this month.
Israel accused Odeh of being responsible for the killing, abduction and injury of numerous Israeli civilians and soldiers during the October 7 attack.
Netanyahu also confirmed the operation in a post on X, reiterating Israel’s pledge to eliminate all those involved in the October 7 assault.
Since the Hamas-led attack, Israel has carried out an extensive campaign targeting Hamas political leaders and militant commanders in Gaza and elsewhere in the region. Among those killed, according to Israeli and international reports, are Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh and Mohammed Deif.
Gaza’s civil defence agency said at least three people were killed and 20 injured in an Israeli airstrike in the Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City.
The conflict has also expanded beyond Gaza, with Israel continuing strikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions and commanders. Israeli strikes have reportedly hit areas in the Tyre and Marjayoun districts in recent days.
Netanyahu said Israeli forces had killed more than 600 Hezbollah fighters in recent weeks and vowed to intensify military operations.
The October 7 attack by Hamas killed 1,221 people in Israel, according to Israeli figures cited by AFP. Gaza’s health ministry says more than 72,800 people have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in the territory since then.
