Israel eliminating Hamas’s new leaders one after another in Gaza Strip
Photo: Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip (Getty Images)
Mohammed Odeh was killed in a strike carried out on Tuesday, May 26, targeting a residential building in central Gaza City — just two weeks after his predecessor, Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, was killed in a similar attack.
According to local medics and eyewitnesses, at least three people were killed, and dozens more were injured.
The Israeli military and the Shin Bet said the buildings targeted in the strike had been used as a hideout by Odeh. The Israel Defense Forces stated that his movements had been monitored for several months.
"Odeh was responsible for the murder, abduction, and wounding of many Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers," the Israeli military said in a statement.
According to witnesses, at least five missiles struck the upper floors of the Al-Kayali building almost simultaneously in one of the busiest districts of Gaza near a market. At the time of the strike, the streets were crowded with people ahead of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha.
Rescue workers were unable to reach the upper floors for a long time due to severe destruction and traffic congestion in the area.
Hamas has not officially confirmed Odeh’s death. However, a local source within the group and relatives said the commander was killed together with his wife. Their adult son later died in the hospital from his injuries.
In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet said Israeli forces also struck a neighboring building belonging to another Hamas member allegedly involved in the October 7, 2023, attack.
As previously reported, the Peace Council under Donald Trump is currently preparing a 15-point plan aimed at the disarmament of Hamas. Washington considers the disarmament of the group’s militants a necessary condition for the recovery and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
According to estimates by the European Union, United Nations, and World Bank, rebuilding Gaza will require at least $71.4 billion. The reconstruction process is expected to take no less than 10 years.
