Israel says Hamas military chief Mohammed Odeh killed in Gaza strike
Jerusalem, May 27
Israel has announced that Hamas military commander Mohammed Odeh was killed in a targeted overnight strike in Gaza City. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a major blow to the militant group's military structure.
According to Israeli authorities, Odeh was killed during an operation conducted jointly by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet after months of intelligence monitoring and surveillance of his movements.
In a post on X, Katz said, "The fourth commander of the Hamas terror organisation's military wing in Gaza was eliminated yesterday and sent to meet his partners in the depths of hell."
Israeli officials said Odeh had only recently assumed charge as head of Hamas's military wing following the killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad earlier this month.
According to Hamas-affiliated reports emerging from Gaza, Odeh was reportedly killed along with his wife and sons during the strike.
Praising the operation, Katz commended the Israeli military and intelligence agencies for what he called a "brilliant execution".
"We pledged to eliminate everyone who led the October 7 massacre, and that is what we will do," Katz was quoted as saying by the Times of Israel. "They are all marked for death, everywhere."
The Israeli Defence Minister also reiterated Israel's stated objective of dismantling Hamas' rule in Gaza and advancing what he described as a plan for "voluntary emigration" from the enclave.
"Everything at the right time and in the right manner," he added.
In a joint statement, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed that several buildings in Gaza City allegedly being used as hideouts by Odeh and his associates were targeted during the overnight strike.
The Israeli military further stated that an apartment belonging to another Hamas operative allegedly involved in the October 7 attacks was also hit during the operation, according to the Times of Israel.
According to the IDF, Odeh had previously served as the head of Hamas intelligence before becoming the organisation's military chief last week.
Israeli security agencies alleged that he played a key role in planning and coordinating Hamas' October 7 assault on Israel and later directed attacks and intelligence operations against Israeli troops during the ongoing conflict.
The agencies described Odeh as one of the last remaining senior Hamas military commanders linked to orchestrating the October 7 attacks and said his killing represented a "significant blow" to Hamas' efforts to reorganise and rebuild its military capabilities.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I feel a mix of emotions. On one hand, targeting those responsible for terror attacks is necessary for justice. But Israel's rhetoric about "voluntary emigration" sounds like ethnic cleansing. India has always stood for two-state solution and Palestinian rights. This continuous cycle of violence only leads to more suffering. We need peace, not more assassinations. 🕊️
From an international perspective, this is what happens when you attack a sovereign nation. October 7 was barbaric and those responsible must face consequences. Israel has the right to defend itself. However, I hope there is a plan for de-escalation because endless conflict helps no one.
Yaar, this is like saying we killed a terrorist but also destroyed a whole building with civilians inside. Where is the proportionality? India has fought terrorism for decades but we never celebrated collateral damage. The world should focus on stopping this madness. Both sides need to come to the table, but as long as leaders talk about "eliminating everyone," there won't be peace. 😤
As someone from a country that has faced state-sponsored terrorism, I understand Israel's frustration. But the solution is not more killing. The number of civilian casualties in Gaza is staggering. India's foreign policy has always been balanced - we condemn terrorism but also support Palestinian statehood. This approach of targeted killings without addressing root causes will only create more extremists. Mark my words.
Another leader killed, but will it bring peace? Unlikely.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.