Israel attacks Hamas new armed wing chief Netanyahu says

Israel has announced that it carried out a major strike targeting Hamas’ newly appointed armed wing chief in Gaza, marking another significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the operation targeted Mohammed Odeh, a senior Hamas figure who Israel says recently took over leadership of the group’s military wing after the killing of his predecessor earlier this month.

According to Israeli officials, Mohammed Odeh had previously led Hamas’ intelligence division and was considered one of the last remaining senior commanders within the organization’s military leadership structure. Netanyahu stated that Odeh was involved in Hamas activities during the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, which triggered the current war. Israeli authorities did not immediately confirm whether Odeh was killed in the latest strike, but later reports from Israeli media and defense officials claimed the operation was successful.

The strike reportedly hit an apartment building in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City. Local health officials in Gaza said at least several people were killed and more than 20 others were injured after the upper floors of the residential building were destroyed in the attack. Rescue teams continued searching through rubble for survivors and possible additional victims hours after the explosion. Hamas did not immediately issue an official response regarding Odeh’s condition or confirm his appointment as military chief.

The latest operation comes during a period of growing military pressure by Israel across multiple fronts. On the same day, Israeli forces also expanded military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah positions. Israeli officials say the broader campaign is aimed at weakening armed groups linked to Hamas and Iran-backed organizations operating in the region.

Mohammed Odeh reportedly replaced Izz al-Din al-Haddad, another top Hamas military commander who Israel says was killed in an earlier strike on May 15. Security analysts believe Israel is continuing a strategy focused on eliminating Hamas’ senior leadership in an effort to weaken the organization’s command structure and reduce its operational abilities inside Gaza.

Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain stalled despite international diplomatic efforts. Israel continues to demand the release of remaining hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, while Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before agreeing to broader deals. The ongoing deadlock has prolonged the humanitarian crisis in the region and increased fears of wider regional instability.

The war, which began after Hamas launched attacks inside Israel in October 2023, has caused massive destruction and heavy casualties on both sides. Gaza health authorities say tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began, while Israeli officials say more than 1,200 people died in the original Hamas attacks. International organizations continue calling for humanitarian aid access and renewed peace negotiations as fighting continues across Gaza and nearby regions.