Hamas confirmed the elimination of Mohammed Odeh, the head of Hamas' military wing, who had been appointed to the role only a week and a half earlier in place of his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who was also eliminated just 11 days ago.
Odeh's wife, two sons and daughter were also killed in the strike in Gaza's upscale Rimal neighborhood. A total of six people were killed. According to sources, at least three missiles were fired from fighter jets at the apartment, causing extensive destruction. His family members identified the remains. It was also reported that 20 minutes after the strike, a helicopter attacked another apartment in an attempt to eliminate a field commander in Hamas' intelligence apparatus, which Odeh had previously headed.
Twenty minutes after the strike in Rimal, an elimination attempt was carried out against a field commander in Hamas' intelligence apparatus, which Odeh had previously headed.
Defense Minister Israel Katz responded to the elimination, saying: "The No. 4 commander of the military wing of the Hamas terrorist organization in Gaza was eliminated yesterday and sent to meet his partners in the depths of hell. On behalf of the prime minister and myself, congratulations to the IDF and the Shin Bet on the brilliant operation. We pledged to eliminate everyone who led the Oct. 7 massacre, and that is what we will do: They are all marked for death, everywhere. We pledged that Hamas would not rule Gaza, either civilianly or militarily, and that is how it will be. The voluntary emigration plan from Gaza will also be implemented, all at the right time and in the right way."
One of the architects of the Oct. 7 massacre
Odeh served as head of Hamas' intelligence staff during the Oct. 7 massacre and was appointed about a week ago to replace Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who was eliminated in an IDF strike in the Gaza Strip about two weeks ago. Odeh was responsible for the murder, kidnapping and wounding of many Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.
After al-Haddad's elimination, three Hamas sources in Gaza told the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that Odeh had in effect been chosen to head the military wing known as the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. According to them, Odeh was one of al-Haddad's close associates and maintained regular contact with him, particularly on matters related to reorganizing the military wing and appointing dozens of commanders in place of those who had been eliminated.
One of the sources said Odeh, who served as head of the intelligence staff on the eve of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack, had already been offered the post after Mohammed Sinwar was eliminated in May 2025. According to the source, Odeh refused the offer at the time, leading to al-Haddad's appointment. Two other sources, however, did not confirm the information.
