In a significant development, Israeli forces have successfully targeted and eliminated the newly appointed head of Hamas’ military operations in an airstrike. Mohammed Odeh, who assumed leadership after the death of Izz al-Din al-Haddad, was actively involved in orchestrating attacks and planning infiltration strategies for the group.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Wednesday that Odeh met his fate during an operation in northern Gaza. His role in the October 7th Massacre, where he was pivotal in the planning and coordination of attacks against Israel, had made him a high-priority target.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz underscored Odeh’s involvement in acts of violence against Israeli civilians and soldiers. “Odeh was responsible for the murder, abduction, and wounding of many Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers,” they stated, emphasizing Israel’s continued commitment to pursuing those involved in the massacre. “Sooner or later, Israel will reach them all,” they asserted.
Accompanying the IDF’s announcement was a photograph of Odeh alongside other deceased leaders of Hamas, signaling a strategic blow to the group’s military hierarchy. The IDF’s actions reaffirm Israel’s determined stance against Hamas, especially in light of ongoing hostilities.
Amidst these developments, a Trump-backed peace board has signaled that Israel “will take action” if Hamas fails to meet compliance expectations. This underscores the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict and the international community’s watchful stance over the region’s stability.
The Israel Defense Forces said Mohammed Odeh, right, was killed in a recent airstrike in northern Gaza. (IDF)
Haddad was eliminated by an Israeli Air Force strike in Gaza City earlier this month, military officials said.
“The IDF will continue to pursue our enemies, strike them, and hold accountable everyone who took part in the October 7 Massacre. We will not relent until we reach them all — this is our duty to all those who returned and to all our civilians,” IDF Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir was quoted as saying following Haddad’s death.
The IDF said, “Following the elimination of his predecessors, Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Sinwar,” Haddad had “assumed control of Hamas and worked to rebuild its military capabilities and infrastructure — a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.”
Emergency teams responded to a residential building in the Rimal area of Gaza City following Israeli airstrikes on May 26, 2026. (Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images)
“Haddad was one of the longest-serving commanders in Hamas and played a key role in its terrorist rule. He climbed the ranks and advanced into crucial positions, then was tasked with coordinating and planning the October 7 Massacre invasion,” the IDF said in the announcement of Haddad’s death.
Mourners carry images of Hamas military wing commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad during a funeral in Gaza City on May 16, 2026. (Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters)
“Throughout the war, he was involved in the holding of many Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity,” the IDF added.
“In every conversation I held with the hostages who returned, the name of the arch-terrorist Izz al-Din al-Haddad… came up again and again,” Zamir said.
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