IDF attempted to assassinate Hamas military leader Mohammed Ouda, PM says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel's military attempted to assassinate Mohammed Ouda, the newly appointed military chief of Hamas. This strike occurred just 11 days after the IDF assassinated Ouda's predecessor, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, on May 15.

While the success of such operations can take time to confirm, Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the attempt. If Ouda was killed, he would join a list of senior Hamas officials assassinated by Israel since October 7, 2023. The report suggests that while this would be a significant intelligence achievement, it is uncertain whether it would change the overall strategic dynamic with Hamas.

Since the ceasefire in October 2025, Hamas has agreed to partial disarmament contingent on Israeli withdrawal from parts of Gaza and allowing rebuilding. Israel, however, insists on full or partial disarmament first. Ouda served as head of military intelligence for the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades during the October 7 attacks and reportedly turned down the military chief role after Sinwar's assassination in May 2025. He was considered one of the last remaining high command members involved in planning the October 7 attack.