Hamas struggles to fill leadership ranks as Israel hunts Oct 7 terrorists

An Israeli airstrike killed Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas' military wing, in Gaza City. Odeh was described by Israeli officials as one of the architects of the October 7 attacks. Despite this assassination, Gaza's markets remained crowded during Eid al-Adha celebrations, with little visible reaction to the commander's death. Many Gazans and analysts note a growing disconnect between Hamas leaders and civilians exhausted by years of war, with some residents expressing frustration that ordinary people have paid the price for the conflict. While Israeli officials believe assassinations are weakening Hamas' leadership and coordination, some analysts caution that the group may not be close to collapse, though replacements are less experienced. International efforts are underway to shape a postwar political framework for Gaza, including proposals for Hamas disarmament.

Gaza City hospitals reported several deaths, including at least five children, following an Israeli strike. This attack occurred a day after the newly chosen head of Hamas's military wing, Mohammed Odeh, was killed with his family in an Israeli strike. Israel has been targeting Hamas leaders since the start of the conflict, with the Israeli Defense Minister vowing to eliminate those involved in the October 7th massacre and prevent Hamas from ruling Gaza. Recent Israeli strikes also killed Ihab Khrizim, head of a Hamas funds transfer network, and Mohammed al-Habash, a Hamas unit commander involved in weapons manufacturing. These events transpire amid stalled US-brokered peace talks for Gaza.

An Israeli air raid in Gaza City on Wednesday killed at least 10 people, including four children, and injured over 20 others. The attack targeted a residential building in northern Gaza, occurring hours after the funeral of Mohammad Odeh, the head of Hamas’s armed wing, who was killed in a previous Israeli strike. Odeh's wife and son were also killed in that earlier attack. Reporting from Gaza City indicated that children were playing in a nearby park when the latest strike occurred, and parents expressed fear of further Israeli attacks. This incident continues Israel's campaign against Hamas leadership, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating Odeh was Hamas's head of intelligence at the time of the October 7th attacks.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced Wednesday that Mohammed Odeh, the new head of Hamas' military wing, was killed in an airstrike in northern Gaza. The IDF stated Odeh was responsible for planning and coordinating attacks during the October 7th massacre and succeeded Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who was also eliminated by Israeli forces earlier this month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement, vowing to continue pursuing all those involved in the October 7th attacks. The IDF indicated that Haddad had taken control of Hamas following the elimination of his predecessors and worked to rebuild its military capabilities.

Israel announced it killed Mohammed Odeh, identified as the new leader of Hamas's Qassam Brigades, in an airstrike in Gaza City on Tuesday. This strike occurred less than two weeks after the killing of his predecessor. The attack also resulted in the deaths of Odeh's wife, son, and daughter, along with another woman, and injured twelve others. The strike took place on the eve of the Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha, a time when many Palestinians are displaced and dependent on aid. Israeli officials stated Odeh was involved in the October 7th attacks and vowed to eliminate those responsible. The funeral for Odeh and his family was attended by thousands of mourners.

Israel claims to have killed Mohammed Odeh, identified as the head of Hamas's military wing in Gaza, in an air strike on Tuesday in Gaza City. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated Odeh was the "commander of Hamas terror organisation’s military arm number 4 in Gaza." The Israeli army confirmed the killing, stating it followed months of intelligence monitoring. The strike reportedly occurred in the Remal neighbourhood, causing destruction and casualties, with a hospital source reporting six killed and 20 wounded in attacks late Tuesday. There was no immediate response from Hamas.

Israel announced on Wednesday that it killed Mohammad Odeh, the newly appointed chief of Hamas's armed wing in Gaza, in an operation on Tuesday. This follows the killing of his predecessor days earlier. A relative confirmed Odeh's death to Reuters, stating his funeral would be held in Gaza City. Odeh's family also released a statement indicating he was killed along with his wife and son. The Israeli military is intensifying pressure in Gaza and expanding operations in Lebanon. Hamas has not yet issued an official statement regarding Odeh's death.

An Israeli strike in Gaza City resulted in three deaths and dozens of injuries, according to medics and witnesses. Israel stated the target was a Hamas commander, noting a similar strike in May killed his predecessor. The Israeli government asserts its right to target Hamas members and accuses Hamas of violating a ceasefire by not disarming. Progress on a US-led peace plan for Gaza has stalled since February, with talks on disarmament remaining deadlocked. Hamas has since reportedly reactivated its police force. Israel indicated it would continue to pursue those involved in the October 7 attack.