Hamas Confirms New Military Chief Killed in Israeli Strike
Was this a justified act of accountability or a war crime disguised as counterterrorism?
Above: Mourners carry the body of Mohammed Odeh and other Palestinians in Gaza City on May 27. Image credit: Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Mohammed Odeh was the chief architect of Hamas's intelligence operation behind the Oct. 7 massacre that killed 1,200 people — eliminating him was a legitimate act of accountability. Letting those responsible for mass murder evade consequences because of a fragile ceasefire would be a moral failure.
Anti-Israel narrative
Killing Mohammed Odeh is a war crime dressed up as counterterrorism. Striking a residential building in a crowded market area during Eid al-Adha and murdering Odeh's wife and children alongside him is collective punishment. Israel has now killed over 900 Palestinians since the ceasefire took effect, shredding every commitment made to mediator states.