Israel Strikes Hamas' New Military Chief in Gaza
Israel carried out a targeted strike against Muhammad Odeh, identified as Hamas' new military chief and alleged mastermind of recent attacks. The move further escalates tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Highlights
- •Israeli Operation: Eliminated Muhammad Odeh, the newly appointed leader of Hamas' military wing.
- •Alleged Roles: Involved in October 7 attacks and responsible for civilian and IDF soldier killings.
- •Air Strikes: Israel carried out multiple strikes in Lebanese towns, resulting in significant casualties.
- •Escalation with Hezbollah: Netanyahu ordered intensified operations against the group.
The Israeli Defence Forces announced the elimination of Muhammad Odeh, previously identified as a new military leader within Hamas and one of the alleged planners behind the October 7 attacks. The operation was carried out under the directives of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister's Office.
Odeh's Role in Past Attacks
According to Israeli military reports, Odeh served as the head of Hamas's intelligence during the October 7 attacks and was appointed around a week ago following the death of Ezzedine al-Haddad in an earlier strike. The IDF claims he was responsible for several killings, kidnappings, and injuries of civilians and soldiers from both Israel and the IDF.
Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed the operation via his Twitter account, vowing to continue targeting those involved in the October 7 attacks: 'We have now struck Muhammad Odeh — the leader of Hamas's military wing and one of the architects of the October 7 massacre. We will get to all of them,' he stated.
However, Israel faced immediate backlash within Lebanon as the country endured a significant escalation in air strikes on Tuesday evening. Al Jazeera Arabic reported that multiple Israeli airstrikes targeted towns like Burj Rahal, Kawthariyat al-Ruz, Srifa, As-Sawana, and Qabrikha, resulting in 31 deaths and 40 injuries.
This development followed Israel's instructions by Prime Minister Netanyahu to intensify operations against Hezbollah after the region faced a surge in drone attacks, as well as signals from US officials supporting broader action against Iran-backed groups. Israeli military leaders boasted earlier this week: 'We are at war with Hezbollah. Just in recent weeks, our brave fighters have eliminated more than 600 terrorists,' Netanyahu said in a statement.
'But we are not taking our foot off the gas. On the contrary, I have instructed them to press the pedal even harder,' he vowed.
