IDF Targets New Hamas Military Chief in Latest Operation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) carried out an operation Tuesday night targeting Mohammed Ouda, the newly appointed military chief of Hamas. There is a high probability that the strike succeeded, though officials noted that confirmation of such operations can take anywhere from hours to weeks.
The operation comes just 11 days after the IDF eliminated Ouda’s predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, on May 15. If confirmed, Ouda’s death would mark the latest in a series of high-level Hamas leadership losses since October 7, 2023, joining a list that includes Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, Mohammed Sinwar, and Ismail Haniyeh.
A Deep History with Hamas
Mohammed Ouda has been a long-standing figure within the organization, beginning his work with Hamas around the time of the First Intifada in 1987. He previously served under Mohammed Deif, who led the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades during the October 7 massacre before being assassinated by Israel in July 2024. During the October 7 attack, Ouda served as the head of military intelligence for the Qassam Brigades.
Ouda had reportedly been offered the position of military head following the death of Sinwar in May 2025 but had initially declined. He was eventually selected as one of the final members of the Hamas high command who held an active role in supervising and planning the October 7 attack. According to reports, the only remaining member of the core council is home front commander Imad Aqel, who did not participate in the attack.
Prior to this week, Ouda had survived several assassination attempts, though in most previous cases, he was not present at the targeted location.
Strategic Implications
While the potential elimination of Ouda represents a significant intelligence achievement for Israel, analysts suggest it is unclear whether this will fundamentally alter the strategic landscape between Israel and Hamas. Since a ceasefire was reached in October 2025, the two sides have remained at an impasse regarding disarmament.
Under the terms of the current ceasefire, Hamas has agreed to a partial disarmament involving the handover of some heavy weapons, provided that Israel withdraws from parts of the 53% of Gaza it currently controls and permits significant rebuilding efforts. Israel, however, has maintained a firm stance that it will not offer such concessions until at least partial, if not full, disarmament is achieved.
Looking ahead, the loss of another high-ranking official may further complicate the internal command structure of Hamas, though the deadlock over disarmament and territorial control is likely to persist regardless of the leadership transition.
Shir Perets contributed to this report.
