DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — On Wednesday, Israel announced that it had successfully targeted and killed the newly appointed leader of Hamas' military wing, Mohammed Odeh, during airstrikes in Gaza City. This operation occurred less than two weeks after Israel eliminated his predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, on May 16. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Odeh was one of the architects behind the October 7, 2023, attacks that initiated over two years of war in Gaza.
Family members confirmed the death of a Mohammed Odeh in the airstrike but did not verify his role as the leader of Hamas' military wing. Hamas has remained silent regarding the incident. Katz emphasized Israel's commitment to "eliminate everyone who led the October 7 massacre," vowing that they are all "bound to die, everywhere." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is preparing for elections later this year, echoed this sentiment by threatening to target everyone involved in the attacks from October 7, 2023.
The airstrike that killed Odeh also resulted in at least three additional casualties and left 12 others injured. The timing of this attack was particularly poignant, occurring just as Muslims were preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha, a significant holiday typically marked by family gatherings and feasting. However, this year's celebrations in Gaza were markedly subdued, as the vast majority of the population remains displaced due to the ongoing conflict. United Nations estimates suggest that around 90% of Gaza's over 2 million residents have lost their homes and are now reliant on aid, frequently living in overcrowded tent camps beset by poor sanitation conditions.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Feast of Sacrifice," is an occasion celebrated by millions of Muslims worldwide and is traditionally associated with joy, family reunions, and acts of charity. Yet, this year, many in Gaza expressed their grief and despair amid the destruction and violence. Displaced residents, such as Mahmoud Saqer from Khan Younis, shared their somber thoughts, stating, "This is not Eid… we’re dead," highlighting the emotional toll of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
In cities like Khan Younis and Gaza City, residents gathered for Eid prayers, but signs of celebration were rare, with only a few scattered balloons marking the occasion. For many, including Ayda Al-Banna, a displaced woman from Gaza City, there was little joy to be found. "There’s no Eid. My children were killed. Eid is only for the people who lost no one," she lamented, underlining the profound impact of loss on the holiday's spirit.
At the same time, the fragile ceasefire established between Israel and Hamas last October remains tenuous. Since its initiation, Israeli military actions have claimed the lives of more than 880 Palestinians, according to reports. The Israeli government justifies these strikes as responses to violations by Hamas or threats to its military personnel. However, Palestinian health officials report that numerous innocent civilians have been among those killed during this period. Additionally, four Israeli soldiers have also died as a result of the conflict in Gaza.
The violence escalated following a Hamas assault in October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 251 individuals. Current reports from the Palestinian Health Ministry indicate that more than 72,700 Palestinians have died from Israeli military actions; however, the ministry does not differentiate between civilian and militant casualties.
