Israel says strike killed new chief of Hamas armed wing in Gaza
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- Israel announced the killing of Mohammed Odeh, the new head of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza, in a strike following the recent death of his predecessor, Ezzedine al-Haddad, earlier this month.
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation, affirming their commitment to eliminating all leaders involved in the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
- Odeh was reportedly involved in the October 7 massacre, including the murder, abduction, and injury of Israeli civilians and soldiers, and had served as Hamas intelligence head before his recent appointment.
- The October 7 attack by Hamas resulted in 1,221 Israeli deaths, while Israel's subsequent military response in Gaza has caused over 72,800 deaths according to Hamas-run health authorities.
- Israel has previously targeted and killed several senior Hamas and allied militant leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and senior figures linked to Hezbollah and Iran-backed groups.