GAZA – Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Abu Obeida, the long-time masked spokesman of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
If confirmed, Abu Obeida would be the latest high-profile Hamas figure to be targeted by Israel in its months-long war in Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) previously claimed responsibility for the killings of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh and military chief Yahya Sinwar.
“Congratulations to the IDF and Shin Bet for the flawless execution,” Katz wrote on X, praising Israel’s military and internal security agency.
Abu Obeida, who for years appeared in videos with his face concealed by a red-and-white keffiyeh, was one of Hamas’ most recognizable figures, often issuing defiant messages during rounds of conflict with Israel. Hamas has not yet confirmed his death.
Escalating Death Toll in Gaza
Local hospitals in Gaza reported at least 43 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes since Saturday, most of them in Gaza City.
The latest wave of bombardments comes amid mounting global concern over the humanitarian toll of Israel’s offensive.
According to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave, more than 63,000 people — the majority of them civilians — have been killed since Israel launched its war in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attacks. The United Nations has said those casualty figures are broadly credible.
The killing of senior Hamas figures has been central to Israel’s stated strategy of dismantling the group’s leadership.
However, rights groups and humanitarian agencies warn that the relentless air campaign continues to inflict heavy civilian casualties, while questions remain over whether the strategy is weakening Hamas’ capacity on the ground.
