Gaza city: Hamas announced Wednesday the killing of Mohammed Awda, a senior figure in its armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, following an Israeli strike in Gaza City. In a statement, Hamas revealed that Awda was killed Tuesday evening along with his wife and two sons in an Israeli strike targeting a residential building.

According to Anadolu Agency, the group has described Awda as a 'senior Qassam commander' and stated that he belonged to the 'first generation that laid the foundation for armed and militant resistance operations.' Earlier Wednesday, the Israeli army confirmed it had killed Awda in a strike in northern Gaza, alleging that he had recently been selected as the new commander of Hamas' armed wing.

Israeli media also reported speculation regarding Awda's appointment to the position following the recent killing of Izz al-Din al-Haddad. On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz mentioned that the army had targeted Awda in an airstrike in Gaza City. This followed heavy bombardment in a densely populated area of central Gaza City on the eve of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.