Defense Minister Katz confirms death of Hamas military wing chief Mohammed Ouda

Defense Minister Israel Katz has confirmed the assassination of Mohammed Ouda, identified as the military chief of Hamas's armed wing. Katz issued a statement on Wednesday, vowing to eliminate all individuals who orchestrated the October 7 massacre.

This strike follows closely on the heels of the IDF's assassination of Ouda's predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, just 12 days prior. Ouda is reportedly the fourth Hamas military leader to be killed by Israeli forces since the October 7 attacks.

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We pledged to eliminate everyone who led the October 7 massacre, and that is what we will do: They are all marked for death, everywhere.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Katz had announced the strike on Ouda the previous day, Tuesday. Katz reaffirmed the government's commitment, stating, "We pledged that Hamas will not rule Gaza, either civilly or militarily, and that is what will happen. The voluntary emigration plan from Gaza will also be implemented, all at the right time and in the right way."

Mohammed Ouda served as the head of military intelligence for the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades during the October 7 massacre. Reports suggest he was offered the role of military head after the assassination of Sinwar in May 2025 but declined. He is considered one of the last remaining Hamas high command members actively involved in planning and supervising the October 7 attack. Foreign reports indicate that Imad Aqel, the home front commander, is the only remaining member of Hamas’s core council who did not participate in the attack. Ouda's involvement with Hamas began around the First Intifada in 1987, and he formerly worked under Deif, who was assassinated by Israel in July 2024.

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We pledged that Hamas will not rule Gaza, either civilly or militarily, and that is what will happen. The voluntary emigration plan from Gaza will also be implemented, all at the right time and in the right way.