Israel announced on Wednesday the death of Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing military campaign against the group despite a declared ceasefire. Odeh was killed on Tuesday, just weeks after the assassination of his predecessor, Ezzedine al-Haddad, following Hamas’s offensive in October 2023 which sparked extensive hostilities in the region.
In a joint statement, the Israeli military and the Shin Bet domestic security agency confirmed Odeh’s death, indicating that he took over leadership of the armed wing after Haddad was killed on May 15. Hamas later acknowledged Odeh’s death, describing it as a “cowardly assassination” and stating that he, along with his wife and children, was killed during an Israeli airstrike. Reports from a Hamas official indicated that three of Odeh’s children, including two adult males and a minor female, also lost their lives in the attack.
The funeral for Odeh and his family was held in Gaza City, attended by hundreds of mourners. During the procession to the mosque for funerary prayers, an AK-47 rifle was placed on his body, symbolizing his status within the resistance movement. Bassem Abu Odeh, a cousin, noted that the family was preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha but instead faced a devastating assault from Israeli forces.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz reacted to Odeh’s death by stating that he had “met his associates in the depths of hell,” emphasizing the Israeli government’s determination to target Hamas leadership. Odeh had been a high-ranking figure in Hamas, notably serving as the head of the group’s intelligence service.
On the same day, Israeli forces reported additional strikes targeting two Hamas commanders in the northern Gaza Strip, leading to at least ten casualties, including five children. The ongoing violence and military actions have further strained the fragile ceasefire, which has seen over 900 fatalities from Israeli strikes according to reports from the health ministry in Gaza.
Amid these developments, Katz reiterated Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hamas and hinted at plans for the forced relocation of Gazans, a controversial initiative that has drawn international condemnation. This proposal aligns with views previously endorsed by some Israeli officials, including far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
In response to Odeh’s killing, Hezbollah expressed solidarity, suggesting that Israeli efforts to target Hamas leadership would ultimately fail. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, compounded by the violence, the continued Israeli blockade, and accusations from both sides regarding breaches of the ceasefire.
As the violence persists, the future of Gaza remains uncertain, with the region under significant pressure from military actions and geopolitical tensions.
