Israeli intelligence continues to methodically "clean up" the top leadership of Hamas's military wing. A powerful airstrike hit the very center of a city in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of Mohammed Odeh. For Tel Aviv, this is not just another elimination, but the removal of a key ideologue and organizer of the tragic events of October 7.
Strike at the Peak of Human Traffic
The attack was carried out on Tuesday, May 26, and the chosen moment proved extremely provocative. Rockets struck a residential building in the Al-Qayali area, located near a busy market. At that moment, many people were on the streets—the city was preparing for the Eid al-Adha holiday, and crowds of worshippers had filled the center.
According to eyewitnesses and local medics, at least five rockets hit the building, striking the upper floors. Due to massive destruction and traffic jams, it took rescuers a long time to reach the epicenter of the explosion. As a result, at least three people were killed, and dozens were injured.
Who is Mohammed Odeh?
Israeli military and the Shin Bet security service confirmed that the target of the strike was indeed Odeh's residence. According to IDF information, the commander's movements had been monitored for several months. The army's statement emphasizes that Odeh bears direct responsibility for the killings, kidnappings, and wounding of numerous Israelis and soldiers.
This elimination was the second in two weeks. Earlier, also as a result of an airstrike on a residential building, his predecessor as commander, Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, was killed. Israel is demonstrating its ability to find and destroy terrorist leaders, even if they are hiding in densely populated areas.
The Cost of Human Lives and Destruction
Although Hamas has not officially confirmed Odeh's death, sources within the organization and relatives report that he died along with his wife. Their adult son, who suffered severe injuries, later died in the hospital. During the same operation, a neighboring building belonging to another fighter involved in the October 7 attack was also targeted.
Political Context and the Cost of Reconstruction
Against the backdrop of ongoing military operations, a new strategy is taking shape in Washington. The Peace Council under President Trump is developing a 15-point plan, the main goal of which is the complete disarmament of Hamas. The White House is convinced that without dismantling the military infrastructure of the terrorists, talking about the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip is meaningless.
However, the scale of the catastrophe is staggering. According to estimates by the UN, the EU, and the World Bank, full reconstruction of the Gaza Strip will require at least $71.4 billion. Experts warn that this process will take a minimum of 10 years, unless there is a radical change in the situation on the ground.
