Israel Defense Forces says Gaza City strike killed Hamas leader, on the job for just 11 days

Mohammed Odeh had assumed the position just 11 days before he was killed, replacing Izz al-Din al-Haddad who Israel assassinated earlier this month.

By Kevin Killough

Published: May 27, 2026 2:31pm

Updated: May 27, 2026 3:22pm

Hamas on Wednesday confirmed that Mohammed Odeh, who was recently appointed head of the terror group, was killed during a strike on Gaza City by Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday.

Odeh had assumed the position just 11 days before he was killed, replacing Izz al-Din al-Haddad who Israel assassinated earlier this month, The Times of Israel reported.

Hamas said that Odeh's wife and two of his children were killed in the strike. A funeral is planned for the family on Wednesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that Odeh was head of Hamas intelligence during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel.

Israel has killed dozens of Hamas leaders and military officials since the war began following the Hamas attacks.