On Tuesday, Israeli forces launched a precision strike on a residential building in Gaza City’s bustling al‑Kayali market area, killing Mohammed Odeh— the newly appointed commander of Hamas’s military wing—as well as his wife and two of his children.
According to Israeli military and Shin Bet officials, the building had been used as a hideout by Odeh and his aides for months, and the strike was part of a joint operation to eliminate key leadership figures involved in the 2023 cross‑border attacks that triggered the Gaza war. The Upper Flight, the portion hit by anti‑missile rockets, collapsed, and several missiles struck the structure from different directions. Local witnesses reported hearing a helicopter hovering above before the strike.
Hamas confirmed the fatalities, stating that Odeh’s wife was also killed and that one of his children died of his wounds in a hospital the next day. A funeral service was held at Al‑Mishr Mosque in Gaza City following prayers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described Odeh as “one of the architects of the October 7 massacre,” noting his responsibility for “the murder, abduction, and wounding of many Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers.”
This attack follows a similar strike that killed former brigade commander Izz ad‑Din al‑Haddad in May, underscoring the intensity of Israel’s campaign against Hamas leadership. Despite a ceasefire agreed in October, violence continues to erupt daily, raising alarms about civilian safety.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stressed the government’s commitment to preventing Hamas from governing Gaza “either civilly or militarily,” and reiterated plans for a “voluntary emigration” strategy.
The strike also occurred after Israel reported 31 casualties from its latest offensive in Lebanon, where it vowed to intensify pressure on Hezbollah fighters.
As both sides continue to claim legitimacy and accusations of ceasefire violations, the future of a comprehensive peace plan—originally spearheaded by the United States—seems uncertain. The U.S. has postponed the final phases of its Gaza governance proposal, leaving disarmament negotiations stalled while Hamas has reasserted control over its internal security apparatus.
The death of Mohammed Odeh marks another significant blow to Hamas’s command structure, but the group's political resilience continues to be debated amid calls for a negotiated end to hostilities.
—FlashPointInfo.com}
According to Israeli military and Shin Bet officials, the building had been used as a hideout by Odeh and his aides for months, and the strike was part of a joint operation to eliminate key leadership figures involved in the 2023 cross‑border attacks that triggered the Gaza war. The Upper Flight, the portion hit by anti‑missile rockets, collapsed, and several missiles struck the structure from different directions. Local witnesses reported hearing a helicopter hovering above before the strike.
Hamas confirmed the fatalities, stating that Odeh’s wife was also killed and that one of his children died of his wounds in a hospital the next day. A funeral service was held at Al‑Mishr Mosque in Gaza City following prayers.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described Odeh as “one of the architects of the October 7 massacre,” noting his responsibility for “the murder, abduction, and wounding of many Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers.”
This attack follows a similar strike that killed former brigade commander Izz ad‑Din al‑Haddad in May, underscoring the intensity of Israel’s campaign against Hamas leadership. Despite a ceasefire agreed in October, violence continues to erupt daily, raising alarms about civilian safety.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stressed the government’s commitment to preventing Hamas from governing Gaza “either civilly or militarily,” and reiterated plans for a “voluntary emigration” strategy.
The strike also occurred after Israel reported 31 casualties from its latest offensive in Lebanon, where it vowed to intensify pressure on Hezbollah fighters.
As both sides continue to claim legitimacy and accusations of ceasefire violations, the future of a comprehensive peace plan—originally spearheaded by the United States—seems uncertain. The U.S. has postponed the final phases of its Gaza governance proposal, leaving disarmament negotiations stalled while Hamas has reasserted control over its internal security apparatus.
The death of Mohammed Odeh marks another significant blow to Hamas’s command structure, but the group's political resilience continues to be debated amid calls for a negotiated end to hostilities.
—FlashPointInfo.com}
