Hamas Commander Killed in Gaza Airstrike, Israel Claims

Tel Abib. Israel claims that the commander of the military wing of the Palestinian armed group Hamas, Mohammed Odeh, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza city. 

This incident comes after the death of Odeh's predecessor commander in a similar attack a few days ago. 

According to local health workers and eyewitnesses, at least three Palestinians were killed and dozens were injured in the large attack on Tuesday. The attack was carried out on a residential building in a very busy market area of Gaza city. 

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet security service issued a joint statement stating that the building where Mohammed Odeh was allegedly hiding was targeted. 

According to them, Odeh's movements were tracked through secret surveillance for months. Hamas has not yet responded to the incident. 

A ceasefire has been in effect in Gaza since October. But Israel has not stopped deadly attacks in Gaza. The latest attack is one such incident. The attack was concentrated on the upper three floors of the building in Al-Kayali. It is said that the missile was fired into the market area when there was a large crowd before the Muslim festival Eid al-Adha. 

The IDF and Shin Bet have also targeted the apartment of another Hamas member who had close ties with Odeh. This person is accused of participating in the attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Eyewitnesses said that although rescue teams reached the spot and started search and rescue operations, it was difficult to reach the upper floors due to heavy damage to the building and the crowd. 

According to local residents, at least five missiles were fired from different directions at almost the same time. Videos from the scene show ambulances and civil defense teams searching in the rubble, with a large crowd gathered around.