Late Tuesday evening, Israeli forces launched dual airstrikes in Gaza City, resulting in three fatalities and leaving 12 people wounded, according to medical officials. The military action occurred just hours before Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most significant religious celebrations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with defense minister Israel Katz, issued a joint statement confirming the strikes aimed at Mohammed Odeh, who they identified as Hamas’ new military wing commander. The officials described Odeh as “one of the architects” behind the October 7, 2023, assault that sparked more than two years of ongoing conflict.
This latest military action follows another recent Israeli operation that eliminated Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the former commander of Hamas’ military branch, less than two weeks earlier.
Hamas has not yet responded to the strikes. Medical personnel transported the victims’ remains to Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, where officials verified the casualties.
The timing of the operation coincided with the start of Eid al-Adha, traditionally marked by festive family reunions and celebratory feasts.
For Gaza residents, this year’s holiday observance remains muted, as most of the population continues living in displacement camps and makeshift accommodations following extensive warfare destruction.
The October ceasefire agreement between Israeli and Hamas forces continues to face challenges. Since the truce began, Israeli military operations have resulted in more than 880 Palestinian deaths. Israeli officials justify these actions as responses to Hamas ceasefire breaches or security threats against their troops, though Palestinian medical authorities report significant civilian casualties among the fatalities. During the same timeframe, four Israeli military personnel have also lost their lives.
Israel’s Gaza military campaign began following Hamas’ October 2023 offensive, which claimed approximately 1,200 lives and resulted in 250 individuals being taken captive.
Gaza’s Palestinian Health Ministry reports that Israeli military action has killed more than 72,700 Palestinians. The ministry, operating under Gaza’s Hamas administration, does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties in its tallies.
