Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz announced in a joint statement on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, that the Israeli military carried out a strike in the Gaza Strip targeting Mohammed Ouda, whom they described as the new leader of the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing. This announcement comes as part of ongoing military operations against the movement’s leadership. The statement noted that Ouda previously served as the head of the Qassam Brigades’ intelligence apparatus and assumed command of the military wing recently, succeeding Izz al-Din al-Haddad, whom Israel claimed to have assassinated earlier this month.
Targeting Hamas Leadership
Netanyahu and Katz emphasized in their statement that the operation was carried out in coordination with the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), stressing that Israel will continue its operations against Hamas’s military infrastructure and pursue everyone involved in the October 7 attacks. Although Israeli officials have highlighted the success of the strike on a building in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, Hamas has not yet issued an official statement regarding the fate of the targeted leader.
Ongoing Military Operations in Gaza
These developments occur amidst ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip, which include intense airstrikes and reciprocal fire between the Israeli military and Palestinian factions. Israel maintains that its operations aim to undermine Hamas’s military capabilities and eliminate its leaders, while the movement reaffirms its continued resistance against Israeli attacks despite losses within its leadership ranks.
Rising Tensions and Humanitarian Concerns
International warnings persist regarding the impact of military escalation on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, amid rising casualties and deteriorating living conditions. Concerned international parties are calling for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of a political path to prevent further human losses and avoid pushing the region toward greater instability.
