In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Israel announced on Wednesday that it has eliminated Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed commander-in-chief of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation in a formal statement, identifying Odeh as the fourth-ranking official within Hamas. Katz emphasized the strategic intent behind the mission, stating, "We promised that Hamas will not have military or civilian control over Gaza, and so it will be."
The strike followed a disclosure by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night, who revealed that Israeli forces had attempted to assassinate Odeh under the direct guidance of both himself and Katz. While Netanyahu did not provide immediate details on the outcome Tuesday, the confirmation from the Defense Ministry on Wednesday marks a critical blow to Hamas' military hierarchy.
The operation comes at a time of rapid leadership turnover for the militant group. Odeh had been appointed to lead the Al-Qassam Brigades only about a week ago, succeeding Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who was killed in an Israeli strike on May 15.
Palestinian media outlets have reported a heavy human toll accompanying the strike in western Gaza City, noting that Odeh was killed alongside his wife, two sons, and a daughter. As of Wednesday, Hamas has not officially confirmed or commented on the reports.
This latest escalation occurs as the region remains divided by the "Yellow Line," the demarcation separating Israeli-held and Palestinian zones since the ceasefire established in October.
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Israel says it killed newly appointed Hamas military chief in Gaza
cgtn.com
