Israel announced on May 27 that it had killed Mr. Mohammad Odeh, who it identified as the new leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The announcement was made just days after Israel announced that it had killed Mr. Odeh's predecessor, amid increasing military pressure from the Israeli military in Gaza, while expanding operations in Lebanon.
The Israeli military said that Mr. Mohammad Odeh was killed in a military operation in Gaza on May 27. A relative of Mr. Odeh confirmed to Reuters that he had died and the funeral would be held after a noon prayer in Gaza City. According to a statement from the family, Mr. Odeh died along with his wife and son.
Gaza health officials said that Israel's airstrike on the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City killed at least 6 people, including at least one woman, and injured more than 20 others. The attack destroyed the upper floor of an apartment building. Rescue teams are continuing to search for more victims trapped under the rubble.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously said that Mr. Mohammad Odeh used to head Hamas's intelligence department at the time of the cross-border attack on October 7, 2023 on Israel, an event that sparked the war in Gaza.
Mr. Netanyahu said Mr. Odeh was appointed about a week ago to replace Mr. Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the top military commander of Hamas who was declared destroyed by Israel on May 15.
Sources close to Hamas did not confirm that Mr. Odeh was officially appointed as the new leader of the military. However, these sources admitted that he is considered a potential successor thanks to his role as head of the military intelligence department and may be the last senior member still alive in Hamas's military leadership council.
Hours before the attack on Mr. Odeh, Israel announced the expansion of its ground operation in Lebanon, where its army is fighting with Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces since Israel and the US launched attacks on Iran in late February. Israel is also increasing military activity in the West Bank.
