Arabic version: إسرائيل تستهدف قائد حماس في غارات جوية على غزة

Israel says it killed the commander of Hamas’s military wing, Mohammed Odeh, in a strike in Gaza on Tuesday – days after his predecessor died in a similar attack. At least three Palestinians were killed and dozens more were injured in Tuesday’s major attack, which hit a residential building in one of Gaza City’s busiest market areas, local medics and witnesses said.

According to BBC News, the Israeli military and Shin Bet security service stated that Odeh’s movements had been tracked for several months prior to the attack. They claimed that the operation was part of a broader effort to eliminate key figures responsible for attacks on Israeli citizens and soldiers.

The strike hit the upper three floors of the al-Kayali building, with eyewitnesses reporting that at least five missiles struck the structure from multiple directions. Rescue efforts were hindered by the extent of the damage and the congestion in the area, as civil defense teams worked to reach those trapped inside.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized Odeh as one of the architects of the October 7 massacre, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages taken by Hamas. This air strike follows the earlier killing of Odeh’s predecessor, Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, in another Israeli air strike earlier in May.

Despite a ceasefire established on October 10, Israeli military actions have persisted, with Hamas accusing Israel of violating the terms by targeting civilians. The Palestinian health ministry reported over 900 fatalities in Israeli strikes during this period. Netanyahu has vowed to continue pursuing those involved in the October 7 attacks, indicating that Israel will not relent in its military efforts against Hamas.