Mohammed Odeh was responsible for the murder, abduction, and injury of many Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Israel announced Tuesday that the IDF carried out a strike in Gaza targeting Mohammed Odeh, whom officials identified as the new leader of Hamas’ military wing and a senior figure involved in the October 7 attack on Israel.
In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation was conducted under their direction and targeted Odeh, described as “one of the architects of the October 7 massacre.”
According to the statement, Odeh served as head of Hamas intelligence staff during the October 7 attack and was appointed about a week ago to replace Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
Israeli officials said al-Haddad was killed in an IDF strike in the Gaza Strip about two weeks ago.
Izz al-Din al-Haddad, was head of Hamas’ military wing and was one of the key planners behind numerous terror attacks and among the last senior figures involved in orchestrating the October 7 massacre.
Haddad had been a member of Hamas for about three decades and was regarded by Israel as a major threat to both civilians and IDF troops.
The statement said Odeh “was responsible for the murder, abduction, and injury of many Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.”
Netanyahu and Katz praised the Israeli military and security services following the strike.
“Congratulations to the IDF and the Shin Bet for their ongoing efforts to eliminate our enemies,” the statement said.
The statement also repeated Israel’s pledge to continue targeting individuals connected to the October 7 attack.
“We will continue to pursue everyone who took part in the October 7 massacre. Sooner or later, Israel will reach all of them,” the statement said.
The announcement identified Odeh as the latest senior Hamas figure to assume a leadership role in the group’s military wing following recent Israeli operations in Gaza.
