According to the Israeli Times, on May 27 local time, Israels Defense Minister Ehud Barak stated that Muhammad Ode, the new military leader of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), was killed.
The Israel Defense Forces stated that on the evening of May 26 local time, Israeli forces launched attacks against the Oded target in the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military announced the death of Ode only 11 days after declaring that it had killed Hamas former military leader, Izzidine Haddad. Haddad was killed in a similar attack in Gaza City on May 15.
Mohamed Ode (right) takes photos with Hamas senior leaders Rafa Salameh, Abu Obeida, and Mohamed Dave. Israel Times
Katz posted on the X platform on the 27th, saying: We once promised to eliminate all those who planned and participated in the October 7th Massacre. We will surely keep our promise. No matter where these people are located, they cannot escape punishment.
He reiterated Israels goals, stating that it will overthrow Hamas rule in Gaza. He also said that local residents will be encouraged to voluntarily leave this area at the right time, and in the appropriate manner.
Hamas has not responded immediately. Gazan media reported on the morning of the 27th that Ode, along with his wife and several sons, died in the attack.
Previously, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Katz stated that Oded served as the head of Hamas intelligence department during the attacks on October 7, 2023. Last week, he replaced Haddad as the top commander of Hamas military branch in the Gaza Strip.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Mutawwaken, Ode had close relations with Haddad. After the assassination of Hamas former leaders Muhammad Deif and Muhammad Sinwar, Ode worked together with Haddad to reorganize that organizational structure.
According to reports, Oded was around forty or fifty years old. He grew up in Gaza and had close relationships with Hamas throughout his life. He worked for Hamas security department, responsible for capturing Israeli intelligence agents. Israel had previously listed Oded as a target several times. In 2025, Israeli forces carried out an air raid on his residence in Gaza. Odeds eldest son, Amir, died in that attack.
