Hamas Commander Mohammad Odeh Killed in Gaza as Israel Intensifies Campaign

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza escalated further after Hamas armed wing chief Mohammad Odeh was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. The targeted strike came just days after the death of senior Hamas commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad, leaving only a handful of high-ranking militant leaders in the enclave.

Dozens of Palestinians gathered in Gaza City on Wednesday to carry Odeh’s body through the streets during a funeral procession. Family members confirmed that the strike also killed his wife and son. Their bodies, wrapped in white burial shrouds, were carried past heavily damaged buildings destroyed during the ongoing Gaza conflict.

The Israeli military stated that Odeh played a major role in Hamas’ intelligence operations during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Odeh had recently replaced Haddad as head of Hamas’ armed wing after Haddad was killed earlier this month.

Despite the loss of senior leaders, mourners in Gaza said Palestinian resistance would continue. Relatives of Odeh declared that Israeli attacks would not weaken the determination of Palestinians.

Later on Wednesday, another Israeli strike in northern Gaza reportedly killed local Hamas commander Emad Esleem. Gaza health officials said at least 10 people, including five children, died in the attack, while many others were injured.

Israel has continued targeting Hamas leaders during the ceasefire period as negotiations remain stalled over the second phase of the truce agreement. The talks, mediated by the United States, include discussions on Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, and the future governance of Gaza.

Since the beginning of the ceasefire, Gaza health authorities say hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, while Israel says the operations are aimed at preventing further militant attacks and weakening Hamas’ command structure.