Israel Kills Hamas Armed Wing Chief Mohammad Odeh, Leaving Few Top Gaza Commanders
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 27
Israel Kills Hamas Armed Wing Chief Mohammad Odeh, Leaving Few Top Gaza Commanders
11 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 27
Dozens of Palestinians marched Mohammad Odeh's body through Gaza City on Wednesday, a day after Israel said it killed Hamas' newly appointed armed wing chief in a targeted strike.
The strike in Gaza City's Rimal neighborhood also killed Odeh's wife and son, according to his family; Gaza health officials said at least 3 others were killed and more than 20 wounded.
Israel said Odeh had headed Hamas intelligence during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and had replaced Izz al-Din al-Haddad only about a week earlier after Haddad was killed on May 15.
Sources close to Hamas said Odeh may have been the last surviving member of the armed wing's higher leadership council, underscoring Israel's campaign to decapitate the group's command.
The killing comes as U.S.-brokered talks on a second ceasefire phase remain deadlocked, with Israel and Hamas divided over disarmament, troop withdrawals and Gaza's future control.
With its leaders repeatedly killed, is Hamas actually weakening or just creating new martyrs for its cause?
As the wider war with Iran escalates, will Gaza's dire humanitarian crisis finally reach its breaking point?
Decapitating Hamas: The Killing of Mohammad Odeh and Its Consequences for Gaza’s Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Overview
On May 26, 2026, an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed Mohammad Odeh, the newly appointed chief of Hamas's armed wing, along with his family and others, causing major destruction in the Remal neighborhood. This strike, which happened during U.S.-brokered talks about Gaza's future, dealt a serious blow to Hamas's military leadership, leaving few commanders in Gaza. The operation reflects Israel's ongoing strategy, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, to eliminate Hamas leaders after the October 7, 2023, attack. The event highlights the intense conflict, leadership targeting, and the complex situation in the region.