Israeli army claims strike killed Hamas military chief in Gaza
The Israeli army said on Wednesday that Mohammed Awda was killed in a northern Gaza strike and alleged he had been selected to lead Hamas' armed wing, though neither Hamas nor the Qassam Brigades has responded to the claim.
Israeli claim on Gaza strike
The Israeli army said on Wednesday that Mohammed Awda was killed in a strike on the northern Gaza Strip, alleging he had been chosen to lead the armed wing of the Palestinian group Hamas. Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz had advanced the same claim on Tuesday, stating that the army had targeted Awda in an airstrike on Gaza City.
Neither Hamas nor its military wing, the Qassam Brigades, had issued any statement in response to the Israeli allegations.
Context of renewed violence
The claims came after heavy Israeli bombardment struck a densely populated area in central Gaza City on the eve of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, killing a Palestinian woman and injuring others, according to medical sources.
Israeli analysts and opposition figures have warned that Netanyahu may seek further escalation in Gaza for electoral purposes, as speculation grows over a possible dissolution of the Knesset and early elections.
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Casualty toll and infrastructure damage
Israel has killed more than 72,000 people and injured over 172,000 in two years of an offensive since October 2023, causing destruction affecting 90% of civilian infrastructure before a ceasefire was announced last October.
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