Israel on Tuesday announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had killed Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed leader of Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, during an airstrike in Gaza.

In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz described Odeh as one of the key architects of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. According to Israeli authorities, Odeh previously served as head of Hamas intelligence during the assault and was recently appointed successor to Ezzedine Al-Haddad, who was reportedly killed in another Israeli strike two weeks earlier.

Israeli officials accused Odeh of involvement in the killing, abduction, and wounding of numerous Israeli civilians and soldiers during the October 7 attacks.

Prime Minister Netanyahu also confirmed the operation in a post on X, reiterating Israel’s pledge to eliminate all individuals connected to the October 7 massacre.

Since the Hamas-led cross-border assault that triggered the ongoing war, Israel has intensified operations targeting senior Hamas leaders and militant commanders both inside Gaza and across the wider Middle East region.

Israeli operations have previously targeted several prominent Hamas figures, including Yahya Sinwar, considered one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, and longtime Al-Qassam commander Mohammed Deif.

The campaign has also expanded beyond Gaza, with Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah commanders and Iran-backed militant networks in Lebanon, including former Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s civil defense agency, which operates under Hamas administration, said at least three people were killed and around 20 others wounded in an Israeli airstrike in the Rimal neighborhood of western Gaza City.

Israel also continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon, with multiple raids reported in areas including Burj Rahal, Srifa, Sawana, and Qabrikha, according to regional media reports.

The conflict, which began after Hamas’ October 7 assault that Israeli officials say killed around 1,221 people, has resulted in massive casualties and destruction in Gaza. Gaza health authorities say more than 72,000 people have been killed during Israel’s military campaign, though casualty figures remain disputed internationally.