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The Israel Defense Forces on Wednesday announced the death of a newly appointed Hamas commander after a targeted strike earlier this week, according to a statement from Defense Minister Israel Katz. Mohammed Odeh helped plot the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre by the terror group and, as such, has been sent to the depths of hell to meet his comrades, Katz wrote. Katz congratulated the IDF and Shin Bet on executing the strike and reiterated Israel’s commitment to eliminating anyone involved in planning and executing the Oct. 7 massacre.
Odeh was appointed to lead Hamas’ military sector about a week ago, after his predecessor, Ezzedine al-Haddad, was killed in an IDF strike the week before, according to a separate statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. The prime minister’s office echoed Katz’s vow to track down all parties responsible for the Oct. 7 massacre. The IDF released a separate statement acknowledging Odeh’s death and highlighted three other high-ranking Hamas leaders also eliminated by Israel.
How has Hamas responded? The terror group had not issued a formal statement on Odeh at the time of publishing. Odeh’s body was carried through Gaza City on Wednesday, with crowds of Palestinians processing alongside. Footage appeared to show mourners crying, chanting, and praying over the terror leader’s body, while others waved flags and could be heard firing guns.