Just as Gaza prepared to celebrate Eid al-Adha, a significant Muslim festival, tragedy struck. An Israeli airstrike targeted a building in Gaza City, resulting in the death of Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed leader of Hamas’ military wing. This was confirmed by both Israeli officials and Hamas.

According to regional media reports, the airstrike also claimed the lives of several members of Odeh’s family. Yet, just two hours later, the bustling markets of Gaza were filled with people preparing for the holiday.

Footage reviewed by Fox News Digital depicted vibrant Eid celebrations, with children shopping and families coming together, seemingly unfazed by the loss of the Hamas commander. Odeh had been identified by Israel as a key figure in orchestrating the attacks of October 7, 2023.

This stark contrast highlights what many observers and Gazans describe as an increasing disconnect between the Hamas leadership and the civilian population. After nearly three years of conflict, which has taken over 70,000 Palestinian lives and displaced a majority of Gaza’s residents, the weariness is palpable. These figures, provided by the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, do not differentiate between civilian and combatant casualties.

ISRAEL ANNOUNCES IT KILLED ONE OF THE ARCHITECTS OF THE OCT. 7 ATTACKS

Palestinians shop at a crowded Eid al-Adha market in Gaza hours after Israel announced the killing of Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas’ military wing, in an airstrike in Gaza. (Jusoor News)

Hadeel Oueis, editor-in-chief of Jusoor News, told Fox News Digital the assassinations are creating “a clear vacuum” inside Hamas and weakening coordination between leaders in Gaza and abroad.

“With the deaths of its leaders and the collapse of strong centralized command, Hamas is turning into a smaller militia competing with other armed groups operating in Gaza,” Oueis said. “Hamas is now fighting for survival.”

In a joint statement issued Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said Odeh, who had replaced senior commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad only days earlier, was “one of the architects of the October 7 massacre.”

“Sooner or later, Israel will reach all of them,” Netanyahu and Katz said.

Palestinian Hamas terrorists stand guard in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Feb. 22, 2025, during the handover of hostages held since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack as part of a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner swap deal with Israel. (Hatem Khaled/Reuters)

Inside Gaza, several residents interviewed by Jusoor News said they no longer viewed the deaths of Hamas leaders as personal losses.

“Of course we didn’t feel anything when Haddad, Sinwar, or others were killed,” one Gazan activist and former political prisoner told Jusoor News in an on-camera interview, speaking with his face blurred for safety reasons.

The activist was referring to Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the Hamas military commander Israel said it killed earlier in May, and Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas leader and chief architect of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, who was killed by Israeli forces in southern Gaza in October 2024.

“Ordinary people are the ones who paid the price, not the leaders who made reckless decisions without thinking,” the activist said.

“As a result, Gaza today is almost completely destroyed,” the activist said. “There are families who have lost everything, while the remaining leaders abroad and inside continue to gamble with our lives constantly.”

GRASSROOTS PUSH FOR FREEDOM GROWS IN GAZA AS HAMAS TIGHTENS ITS DEADLY GRIP

Palestinians shop at a crowded Eid al-Adha market in Gaza hours after Israel announced the killing of Mohammed Odeh, the newly appointed head of Hamas’ military wing, in an airstrike in Gaza. (Credit: Jusoor News)

A Gaza-based journalist echoed the frustration. 

“When we heard about the killing of Izz al-Din Haddad or others, we were not affected,” the journalist said. “What is even more painful is that the children of the leaders live outside Gaza, in Turkey and Qatar, driving luxury cars and living comfortable lives, while people here have almost gone back to the Stone Age.”

Another Gaza journalist and human rights advocate told Jusoor Hamas had harmed Palestinians as much as Israelis. 

“I do not see the deaths of the leaders as losses for the Palestinians, because we ordinary people are the ones who paid the price,” the advocate said. “Honestly, Hamas did not only hurt the Israelis — they hurt us as well.”

At the same time, Israeli analysts caution that the repeated assassinations do not necessarily mean Hamas is close to collapse.

Michael Milshtein, an expert on the Palestinian arena, told Fox News Digital that Hamas unquestionably has suffered severe damage since Oct. 7, 2023, particularly with the deaths of veteran commanders who helped build the organization’s military structure and doctrine.

ISRAEL, HAMAS CEASEFIRE DEAL COULD ENABLE REARMING OF GAZA TERRORISTS

Palestinians shop at a crowded Eid al-Adha market in Gaza. (Jusoor News)

“Almost nobody remains from the core group that planned and led the October 7 attack,” he said.

But he noted that Odeh himself had been viewed largely as a second-tier figure before the war rather than an obvious successor to Hamas’ historic military leadership.

“The people replacing them are far less experienced, less capable and far less charismatic,” Milshtein said.

Still, he argued, Hamas continues to maintain functioning chains of command and ideological cohesion despite the losses.

“People know they are likely going to die, and they still compete for these leadership positions,” he said.

The debate over Hamas’ future comes as international efforts to shape a postwar political framework for Gaza accelerate.

TRUMP-BACKED BOARD OF PEACE, ISRAEL ‘WILL TAKE ACTION’ IF HAMAS REMAINS OUT OF COMPLIANCE: NETANYAHU ADVISOR

Hamas militants carried coffins believed to contain the bodies of four Israeli hostages during a handover to the Red Cross in Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Feb. 20, 2025. (Eyad Baba/AFP)

Nickolay Mladenov, who was appointed High Representative for Gaza under the Board of Peace initiative, published the core elements of a proposed 15-point “Roadmap to Complete the Implementation of President Trump’s Gaza Comprehensive Peace Plan.”

The proposal includes a phased Hamas disarmament process, internationally supervised security reforms and the establishment of “one authority, one law, one weapon” inside Gaza.

“Gaza cannot recover while armed groups simultaneously operate as governing authorities,” Mladenov wrote while outlining the proposal on social media.

Displaced Palestinians, including families and children, wait in line to receive hot meals distributed by charities ahead of iftar in Khan Yunis, Gaza. (Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu)

For many Gazans exhausted by years of war, displacement and destruction, the deaths of Hamas leaders now appear to carry less emotional weight than the hope that the conflict itself could finally end.

“Gaza cannot remain hostage to the idea of permanent war while civilians alone pay the entire price,” one activist said.

Former President Donald Trump paid tribute to Claude Lemieux, the renowned NHL star and four-time Stanley Cup champion, who tragically passed away by suicide.

In a heartfelt post on Truth Social late Thursday, Trump expressed his admiration, saying, “Claude Lemieux, a true legend of the game, and one of the fiercest competitors hockey has ever seen, has passed away.”

Trump highlighted Lemieux’s support for him, noting, “Claude was a friend to the family and a tremendous supporter of our cause.”

Reflecting on Lemieux’s illustrious career, Trump praised the athlete’s remarkable achievements, including his four Stanley Cup victories with teams like the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche.

Concluding his tribute, Trump wrote, “Claude will be missed by all who value winning and resilience,” and added a MAGA hashtag to his message.

Lemieux, 60, was found dead by his adult son in the warehouse of a furniture store owned by his family in Florida at around 3 a.m. Thursday after they became concerned he had not returned hom

The Freedom 250 concert, associated with former President Donald Trump, is facing significant upheaval as several scheduled performers have pulled out.

Initially, on Wednesday, Freedom 250, which presents itself as a non-partisan event, unveiled an eclectic lineup to commemorate the United States’ 250th anniversary. The roster included artists like Morris Day and the Time, Vanilla Ice, Martina McBride, Flo Rida, Milli Vanilli, The Commodores, Bret Michaels, and Young MC.

This concert is set to take place at the Great American State Fair on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on June 25.

However, soon after the lineup was made public, several artists quickly announced their withdrawal. Some performers even alleged that they were not informed about Trump’s association with the event.

On Wednesday, Morris Day took to Instagram to express his decision, stating, “It’s a no for me.” Likewise, Martina McBride, Young MC, and William King of The Commodores confirmed they would not be participating in the Freedom 250 concert, which also plans to host a UFC fight on the White House’s South Lawn.

But even as some artists rushed to sever any ties with the concert, others, including Vanilla Ice, clarified that they were still on for the show. 

The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House and to representatives for Day, The Commodores, Young MC and Milli Vanilli to request comment. 

The Donald Trump–affiliated Freedom 250 concert was thrown into chaos this week when multiple performers announced that they were dropping out of the show, including Morris Day (L); seen performing with Morris Day and the Time in May 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana

But even as some artists rushed to sever any ties with the concert, others, including Vanilla Ice, clarified that they were still on for the show; Vanilla Ice is pictured in 2022 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Donald Trump signed an executive order in January 2025 creating the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. He named himself chair and appointed Vice President J. D. Vance as vice chair; pictured Wednesday in Washington, DC

In his Instagram post on Wednesday, Morris Day shared a graphic stating, ‘Contrary to rumor, Morris Day & the Time will not be performing at the “Great American State Fair.”‘

The Commodores subsequently announced that they would not be performing at Freedom 250.

‘Our music has always been our voice and we choose not to publicly affiliate with any single political party,’ the funk act said in a statement on Instagram. ‘We support the betterment of all Americans.’

William King, a co-founding member and multi-instrumentalist for The Commodores, confirmed in a phone call to Rolling Stone that they would not be featured at the concert.

Country music hitmaker Martina McBride also joined the list of cancellations on Thursday.

‘I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading,’ McBride wrote in an Instagram post, adding that she had ‘asked lots of questions and was assured this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states.

‘I thought this was a great way to celebrate the states and also bring people together in the way that only music can,’ she continued. ‘I saw it as just a bigger version of so many state fairs that I have performed at over the years, celebrating community and what makes each state special.’ 

But McBride added, ‘Yesterday things started changing and what we were told is, in fact, not what is happening.’

In his Instagram post on Wednesday, Morris Day shared a graphic stating, ‘Contrary to rumor, Morris Day & the Time will not be performing at the “Great American State Fair,”‘ adding, ‘It’s a no for me 😎’

The Commodores subsequently announced that they would not be performing at Freedom 250

William King, a co-founding member and multi-instrumentalist for The Commodores, confirmed in a phone call to Rolling Stone that they would not be featured at the concert; King is pictured in 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Country music hitmaker Martina McBride also joined the list of cancellations on Thursday; pictured in 2022 in Nashville, Tenn.

 ‘I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading,’ McBride wrote, adding that she had ‘asked lots of questions and was assurd this was a nonpartisan event that was meant to celebrate ALL 50 states’

She went on to defend herself, saying she had spent her ‘entire career singing songs about real people with real issues’ and being a ‘voice for those who have felt like they didn’t have one.’ 

‘It greatly upsets me that any fan who has been moved by my music may now feel like I’m abandoning the meaning behind those songs,’ McBride continued. ‘I assure you, that is not the case. I appreciate every single fan who has reached out.’

Young MC went on to join the chorus of artists distancing themselves from the event in a post on Facebook.

‘I HAVE INFORMED MY AGENTS THAT I WILL NOT BE PERFORMING AT THE FREEDOM 250 EVENT,’ he wrote.

The rapper (born Marvin Young) went on to claim that ‘The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event.’

‘And despite the claims by the organizers that the event is non-partisan, SPIN magazine describes it as “Trump-backed,”‘ he continued. ‘I hope to perform in DC in the near future at an event that is not so politically charged.’

Young MC clarified how his name came to be associated with Freedom 250 and called it a ‘bait-and-switch’ scheme in an interview with Vibe on Thursday.

‘I had no clue it was considered a “Trump-backed” event, so that was new to me,’ he said. ‘My whole thing was “tell me what the event is, what it’s about, who you are, and then give me the choice of whether I want to do the event or not.” I was never given that choice. 

Young MC went on to join the chorus of artists distancing themselves from the event in a post on Facebook

The rapper (born Marvin Young) went on to claim that ‘The artists were never told about any political involvement with the event’

‘I was told one thing, and then it was a bait-and-switch,’ Young MC alleged. ‘All the comments I’ve seen from the artists that have dropped out thought it was supposed to be a regular show in DC.’

Among the performers announced was Milli Vanilli, but members of a group calling themselves The Real Milli Vanilli put out a statement on Thursday to distance their group from Freedom 250.

‘Others using the name “Milli Vanilli” that appear on the advertisement should be considered a tribute band with no association vocally or musically to our sound or songs,’ they wrote.

Milli Vanilli was originally billed as a duo featuring Rob Pilatus (who died in 1998) and Fab Morvan, but they were later revealed to have only lip-synced to songs performed by studio vocalists, most of whom appear to comprise the Real Milli Vanilli group. 

However, Morvan’s visage was featured on advertisements for Freedom 250, suggesting that a group featuring him may perform under the Milli Vanilli name.

The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for The Real Milli Vanilli and Morvan to request comment. 

Even as other artists rushed to jump ship, Vanilla Ice’s management confirmed that he would still be part of the Freedom 250 lineup.

‘Vanilla Ice is contracted and will perform at the Great American Fair at the National Mall on Friday, June 26,’ TQ management told Rolling Stone. ‘He is proud to help celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary! Everyone is welcome to attend and celebrate USA’s Birthday and our Freedom!’

Among the performers announced was Milli Vanilli, but members of a group calling themselves The Real Milli Vanilli put out a statement on Thursday to distance their group from Freedom 250

Milli Vanilli was originally billed as a duo featuring Rob Pilatus (who died in 1998) and Fab Morvan, but they were later revealed to have only lip-synced to songs performed by studio vocalists, most of whom appear to comprise the Real Milli Vanilli group

However, Morvan’s visage was featured on advertisements for Freedom 250, suggesting that a group featuring him may perform under the Milli Vanilli name; pictured in February in LA

The defections also exposed conflict within some of the groups announced to play Freedom 250.

Freedom Williams of C + C Music Factory clarified in an Instagram video that he doesn’t ‘f*** with Trump,’ but he said he still planned to perform and lashed out at anyone urging him to do otherwise.

‘I don’t give a f*** about Trump. I don’t give a f*** about Trump’s family. I don’t know the n***a. I’m from New York. I know the type of anarchy he creates,’ Williams said. ‘But the day I let you motherf***ers tell me what to do is the day I die.’

Bizarrely, Williams said he would cast votes for Adolf Hitler, Genghis Khan and ‘motherf***ing Ivan the Terrible before I let you n***as tell me what to motherf***ing do.’

But Robert Clivillés, who co-founded C + C Music Factory, explained that Williams – an original member – had acquired the band’s trademark back in 2005 and now performed under the name without Clivillés.

‘Freedom Williams [is] solely misrepresenting C&C Music Factory,’ he said in a social media post that suggested Williams was using the band name without permission. 

‘Please vent on his personal page and know that this is not a C&C Music Factory Participation,’ he continued, adding that the group ‘does not participate nor side with any specific political party.’

The Freedom 250 concert was organized by Trump appointee Keith Krach, and the event says that it ‘serves as the official public–private partnership’ to create major events for the US’ 250th anniversary.

Even as other artists rushed to jump ship, Vanilla Ice’s management confirmed that he would still be part of the Freedom 250 lineup; pictured in 2021 in Ventura, Calif.

In a statement on his personal website, Krach explained the organization’s aims.

After saying he was ‘grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to execute his vision for Freedom 250,’ he wrote, ‘At its core, Freedom 250 is a national movement – bringing states, businesses, organizations, and citizens together to honor our history, cherish our God-given freedoms and help build a golden age of opportunity for the next 250 years.’ 

On January 29, 2025 – shortly after he retook office – Donald Trump announced that he was creating the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday.

As part of his executive order, Trump named himself the chair of the task force, while Vice President J. D. Vance was designated as its vice chair.

In Tucson, Arizona, the recent uncovering of ancient human remains near the site of Nancy Guthrie’s alleged abduction has cast a spotlight on the sinister realities lurking within Arizona’s expansive Sonoran Desert. This desolate region is notorious for its ability to conceal the remains of many, with experts suggesting that a dozen or more bodies might be discovered annually in its vast, unyielding landscape.

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, became the focus of national attention due to her daughter’s public profile. The gruesome find quickly grabbed headlines, sparking widespread speculation and concern.

However, authorities swiftly clarified that the unearthed remains bore no connection to Guthrie’s disappearance. The initial discovery of a single bone that captured the media’s interest was soon overshadowed by the revelation of a complete skeleton at the site.

James T. Watson, an anthropologist from the University of Arizona, shared insights with Fox News Digital about the situation. He was part of the team that responded to the scene and confirmed the more extensive find, highlighting the complex and often harrowing nature of such discoveries in the desert’s harsh environment.

FORMER FBI AGENT ‘STUNNED’ BY UNFORGIVING CONDITIONS COMPLICATING NANCY GUTHRIE SEARCH

A Tucson police officer stands guard near where a YouTuber discovered human remains in an ephemeral river while searching for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie. The remains were determined to belong to someone who died and was buried centuries ago and have no connection to her case. (Michael Ruiz/Fox News Digital)

They belonged to someone believed to have been buried between several hundred and 1,000 years ago, he said.

“Whether it is a thousand years old or 50 years old, these are human remains,” Watson said, adding that he hopes additional discoveries are treated with dignity and respect if searches continue in the Guthrie case.

A Tucson police officer puts up police tape near where human remains were found in an ephemeral river while searching for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie.  (Matt Symons for Fox News Digital)

A local YouTuber named AJ Wysopal came across an exposed bone while conducting an amateur search for Guthrie less than 5 miles from her home in the Catalina Foothills on May 7. Guthrie is believed to have been kidnapped out of her house in the early hours of Feb. 1.

NANCY GUTHRIE SUSPECT’S DIGITAL ‘BLACKOUT’ MAY BE KEY TO CASE, SAYS EXPERT WHO PROBED KOHBERGER PHONE

A sign reading “Nancy Guthrie Desparecida” was placed by Madres Buscadoras De Sonora about a mile from Nancy Guthrie’s residence in Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 24, 2026. Law enforcement continues to search for Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie, who went missing on Feb. 1. Savannah Guthrie announced a $1 million reward for information leading to her mother’s location. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Authorities quickly determined that the remains were human — and also that they were significantly older and unconnected to Guthrie’s suspected abduction. They are called prehistoric because they belong to someone who died before there was written language in the area, Watson said.

There is also a known archaeological site nearby, and Watson said that ceramic artifacts uncovered at the scene are consistent with known examples there.

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Law enforcement and news broadcasters are stationed outside Nancy Guthrie’s residence in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 10, 2026, as searches continue for the 84-year-old mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie. Possible abductors set a ransom deadline of 5 p.m. on Feb. 9 for a $6 million payment after she went missing on Feb. 1. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

“All of that contextual evidence allowed me to be pretty sure that this individual was in fact Native American,” he said. “The ceramics really sort of drove home that point.”

NANCY GUTHRIE MISSING: FORENSIC SCIENTIST ENCOURAGES NEW INVESTIGATIVE APPROACH SINCE CASE ‘ISN’T COLD YET’

Tucson police respond to the site where human remains were found in an ephemeral river while searching for Nancy Guthrie. (Matt Symons for Fox News Digital)

The remains have since been transferred to the Tohono O’odham Nation, a Native American tribe with a large reservation just west of Tucson. No additional research or testing is expected, he said.

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People bring flowers to Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday, March 7, 2026. Guthrie has been missing since early February 2026. (Matthew Symons/Fox News Digital)

Watson said that a combination of the Sonoran Desert’s harsh terrain and new developments on land that has been largely untouched for centuries often lead to similar discoveries as the search for Guthrie continues.

“The desert there is a pretty harsh environment and obviously it’s been settled for hundreds, thousands of years,” he told Fox News Digital.

Tucson police respond to the site where human remains were found in an ephemeral river while searching for Nancy Guthrie. (Matt Symons for Fox News Digital)

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And in addition to inadvertent archaeological discoveries, the region is also near the U.S.-Mexico border, where illegal immigrants have for years been attempting to cross illegally in those same harsh conditions.

On some occasions, he’s been called to the findings of their remains, he said.

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Savannah Guthrie poses with her mother Nancy Guthrie during a production break while hosting NBC’s “Today Show” live from Australia. (Photo by Don Arnold/WireImage)

“There are literally probably hundreds of bodies that are discovered every year out in the desert,” he told Fox News Digital.

SEARCH FOR NANCY GUTHRIE ENTERS 5TH WEEK, CADAVER DOGS ON HOLD

Like the recent find at River and Craycroft Roads, some are exposed by natural causes, including erosion caused by the region’s powerful ephemeral rivers, which are mostly dry but flood violently during heavy rainfall in the desert. Others have been unearthed by real estate development, Watson said.

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And there could be many different reasons why they came to rest where they are found.

Law enforcement personnel search near a roadway outside Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood in Catalina Foothills outside Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 11, 2026. (Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA Today Network via Imagn Images)

“So there [are] a lot of places that an individual could get lost or pass away — or hide a body,” Watson said. “I think…as people start to poke into some of these crevices that don’t normally get poked into into across the desert, they’re likely to find more individuals.”

The investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance is ongoing, and there is a combined reward of more than $1.2 million in play.

Her family is urging anyone with information to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can be submitted anonymously to Tucson’s 88-Crime hotline at 520-882-7463.