Israeli Military Confirms Killing of Hamas Spokesman Abu Obeida Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the military had targeted and struck Abu Obeida, the masked spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades. Speaking during a government meeting, Netanyahu expressed hope that Abu Obeida was no longer alive but noted there had been no confirmation from Hamas to clarify the situation.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz also confirmed the killing of Abu Obeida, praising Israeli security forces for the operation’s “flawless execution.” Katz announced on X that the Hamas terror spokesperson was eliminated in Gaza, marking a significant blow to the militant group’s leadership.

Abu Obeida has long been the public face of Hamas’s military wing, appearing in videos wearing fatigues and a red keffiyeh scarf to conceal his identity. His death comes nearly 23 months into Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, during which many senior Hamas leaders have been killed, including key figures like political chief Ismail Haniyeh and military commander Mohammed Deif.

Earlier on the same day, Hamas confirmed the death of Mohammed Sinwar, believed to be its Gaza leader, several months after Israel claimed responsibility for killing him in an airstrike. These developments follow the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and led to the abduction of more than 250 others.

Since then, Israel’s military campaign has inflicted a devastating toll on Gaza, with at least 63,459 Palestinians, mostly civilians, reported killed according to Hamas’s health ministry. The United Nations has recognized these casualty figures as reliable, underscoring the severe humanitarian consequences of the conflict.