Hamas Announces Senior Commander of Al-Qassam Brigades Killed in Israeli Attack

JAKARTA - The Hamas militant group on Wednesday announced the death of one of its senior commanders in its armed wing organization, the Al-Qassam Brigade, Mohammed Awda following an Israeli attack in Gaza City.

In a statement, Hamas said Awda was killed on Tuesday night along with his wife and two sons in an Israeli attack targeting a residential building.

The group described Awda as a "senior Qassam commander" and said the late one was among the "first generation to lay the foundation for armed resistance operations and militants," Anadolu reported (27/5).

Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli army said it had killed Awda in an attack in northern Gaza, accusing him of recently being elected the new commander of Hamas' armed wing.

Israeli media also reported speculation that Awda had been elevated to the position following the recent killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Katz also said the army had targeted Awda in an air strike in Gaza City.

Israel's statement follows heavy shelling in a densely populated area in the center of Gaza City on the eve of Eid al-Adha.