Israel says it targets new Hamas leader in Gaza as Palestinians report 3
dead
[May 27, 2026]
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel carried out a pair of
airstrikes in Gaza City late Tuesday, killing at least three people and
injuring 12, hospital officials said. The strike took place on the eve
of Eid al-Adha, a major Muslim holiday.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his
defense minister, Israel Katz, said the strikes had targeted the new
leader of Hamas' military wing. They identified him as Mohammed Odeh and
called him “one of the architects” of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that
triggered over two years of war. |
A yellow block stands demarcating the "Yellow Line," which has separated
the Gaza Strip's Israeli-held and Palestinian zones since the October
ceasefire, is visible in central Gaza Strip, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (AP
Photo/Ariel Schalit) |
|
The strike came less than two weeks after Israel killed the
previous head of Hamas' military wing, Izz al-Din al-Haddad.
There was no immediate comment from Hamas. The bodies of the
dead were taken to Gaza's Shifa Hospital, which confirmed the
deaths.
The attack came on the eve of Eid al-Adha, normally a joyous
time of family gatherings and large meals.
The holiday once again is subdued this year in Gaza, where the
vast majority of people remain displaced and live in tents or
temporary shelters after a devastating war.
A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas last October
remains fragile. Israeli attacks have killed more than 880
Palestinians since the ceasefire took effect. Israel says its
attacks are in response to violations by Hamas or threats to its
soldiers, but Palestinian health officials says scores of
civilians have been among the dead. Four Israeli soldiers have
also been killed during this period.
Israel launched its offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas
attacks in October 2023, which killed some 1,200 people and took
250 others hostage.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza says over 72,700
Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire. The ministry,
part of Gaza's Hamas government, does not give a breakdown of
civilian and militant deaths.
All contents © copyright 2026 Associated Press. All rights
reserved |
|
|
