Jakarta, ThedailyID — Israel claimed it killed senior Hamas military leader Mohammed Odeh during a military operation in northern Gaza on Tuesday.
Israeli officials described Odeh as one of the key planners behind the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the operation through a statement posted on X.
“We struck Mohammed Odeh, leader of Hamas’ military wing and one of the architects of the October 7 massacre,” Netanyahu wrote.
According to Israeli authorities, Odeh previously served as Hamas intelligence chief during the October 7 attack. Reports also stated that Hamas recently appointed him to replace Ezzedine al-Haddad, who reportedly died in an earlier strike.
The Israel Defense Forces and Israel’s internal security agency Shin Bet later confirmed Odeh’s death following the overnight attack in Gaza City.
Reports from Israeli media stated that several buildings allegedly used as Odeh’s hideout became targets after months of intelligence surveillance. A nearby apartment reportedly linked to Hamas also suffered damage during the strike.
However, Hamas had not immediately issued an official confirmation regarding Odeh’s reported death.
Meanwhile, Israel also continued expanding military operations in southern Lebanon following escalating tensions with Hezbollah.
According to reports from Al Jazeera, Israeli airstrikes hit several locations in southern Lebanon, including Burj Rahal, Srifa, as-Sawana, Qabrikha, and Kawthariyat al-Ruz.
The attacks reportedly killed at least 31 people and injured 40 others on Tuesday.
The escalation came shortly after Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to “step harder on the gas” against Hezbollah during a statement on Sunday.
Meanwhile, tensions across the Middle East continue increasing as military operations expand beyond Gaza into neighboring regions.
International leaders and humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for de-escalation efforts and stronger protection for civilians affected by the conflict.
