Hamas mourns founding leader Muhammad Odeh after his assassination in an Israeli raid in Gaza

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) mourned the prominent leader of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Muhammad Odeh, who was martyred along with his wife and two children. This came after an airstrike carried out by Israeli occupation aircraft on Tuesday evening, targeting a residential building in Gaza City, which led to the destruction of large parts of the site and the martyrdom of those within it.

The movement described in an official statement leader Odeh, nicknamed 'Abu Amro', as one of the pillars of the first generation that founded jihadi and military action in Palestine. It affirmed that his struggle extended for more than three decades, witnessing pivotal stations in the history of the resistance leading up to the 'Al-Aqsa Flood' battle, in which he played a prominent role.

Hamas stressed that the assassination operation represents a blatant violation of all international norms and laws, describing it as a desperate attempt to break the will of steadfastness of the Palestinian people. It indicated that Odeh lived for many years as a fugitive and wanted by the occupation, and remained steadfast in his positions until he achieved the martyrdom he sought.

In a related context, Gaza City witnessed solemn funeral processions for the martyr Odeh and his family members, with the procession setting off from Al-Ma'madani Hospital towards the Eastern Cemetery. Large crowds of citizens participated in the funeral, chanting angry slogans emphasizing adherence to the option of resistance and loyalty to the blood of the martyrs who fell in the fields of defending the land.

During the burial ceremonies, speakers delivered eulogies emphasizing that the path to Jerusalem and liberation is paved with immense sacrifices and pure blood. Gunshots were heard in the air in tribute to the spirit of the Qassam leader, while participants raised Palestinian flags and resistance banners, affirming that the battle for liberation continues despite the policy of assassinations.

For its part, the Israeli occupation army admitted to carrying out the operation, claiming that Odeh was one of the main planners of the October 7, 2023 attack. Israeli military sources claimed that the targeting came after precise intelligence tracking that lasted for several months, describing him as one of the last senior leaders who oversaw strategic military operations.

This assassination comes less than two weeks after the martyrdom of the commander-in-chief of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, in a similar raid that targeted Gaza City. These operations raise major questions about the fate of the ceasefire agreement in effect since last October, amid the escalating pace of direct Israeli targeting of field and political leaders.

Official sources in Gaza reported that the occupation has committed more than 3,000 violations of the ceasefire agreement since its entry into force, leading to the fall of hundreds of martyrs and injured. Reports clarified that these violations are not limited to aerial bombardment, but also include tightening the siege and preventing the access of essential medical and food supplies to the besieged population.

In a recent statistic, the Gaza government revealed that the number of martyrs since the agreement came into effect has reached 910 Palestinians, while thousands have been injured to varying degrees. It indicated that Israel deliberately obstructs the entry of aid trucks, having allowed only one-third of the internationally agreed quantities to pass, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the sector to an unprecedented extent.

The blood of leader Muhammad Odeh and his family, and all the martyrs from the leaders and the steadfast people, will not be in vain and will remain fuel that ignites the strength in the Palestinian people to continue the struggle.