Israel says it killed the newly appointed commander of Hamas’ army wing, Mohammed Odeh, in a strike in northern Gaza on Monday, simply days after his predecessor was slain in comparable assault.
Odeh, who Israel thought-about a key planner of the October 7, 2023, bloodbath, had been monitored by Israeli intelligence for months and died in an operation focusing on websites in Gaza City, which he “used to hideout,” Israel’s army and safety company mentioned in a joint assertion.
“His elimination constitutes a significant blow to the Hamas terrorist organization’s rehabilitation efforts,” mentioned the assertion.
Odeh was a member of the army council of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades and the head of intelligence for the Hamas army wing. He was thought-about by Israel to be the chief of the army wing of Hamas after former chief Izz al-Din al-Haddad was assassinated earlier this month.
“Hamas’ intelligence headquarters, under Odeh’s command, aided and advanced Hamas’ terrorist activities and operations, posing a threat to IDF troops and Israeli civilians,” mentioned the Israeli assertion.
Basem Naim, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, acknowledged Oudeh’s demise on social media and described him as “heroic martyr.”
Odeh’s household mourned his demise, referring to his nom de guerre Abu Amro, in a submit on the household’s official Facebook web page. Five members of the Odeh household had been killed in the assault, the submit mentioned.
Israel has additionally assassinated different senior Hamas leaders, together with Yahya Sinwar, his brother Mohammed Sinwar, and Mohammed Deif.
This submit has been up to date with further developments.