Israel Claims Strike on Hamas Spokesman Abu Obeida as Fate Remains Unclear
Israel targeted Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida in a Gaza City airstrike, a move officials say could strike a symbolic blow to the group’s military wing, though his fate remains unconfirmed amid conflicting reports and ongoing warnings of psychological warfare by Hamas.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — The Israeli military said on Saturday it carried out a targeted strike on a senior Hamas operative in Gaza City, with multiple reports identifying the target as Abu Obeida, the longtime masked spokesman of the militant group’s military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet confirmed the airstrike but stopped short of naming the operative. However, Hebrew media outlets, citing security officials, reported that the strike targeted Hudayfa Samir Abdallah al-Kahlout—better known by his nom de guerre, Abu Obeida. Israeli officials expressed “cautious optimism” that the operation was successful.
“There is optimism, we have cautiously assessed that the direction is positive,” an unnamed security source told Israel’s Channel 12. Another told the Kan broadcaster that the outcome was “looking good.”
Conflicting Reports on Fate
On Sunday, Saudi-owned Al-Arabiya quoted a Palestinian source as saying Abu Obeida had been killed in the strike along with several others in the Gaza City apartment where he was believed to be sheltering. The source said Hamas officials and his family confirmed his death after identifying the body. Reports from Gaza indicated that at least 11 people, including children, were killed in the attack.
The IDF said it used precision munitions and surveillance to minimize civilian casualties.
Hamas, however, swiftly denied the reports, calling them part of Israel’s “psychological warfare.” The group urged Palestinians not to spread rumors, warning that such claims could undermine unity and aid Israel’s propaganda efforts, according to Jordan’s Roya News.
Abu Obeida’s Role in Hamas
Abu Obeida has served as the public face of Hamas’s armed wing since 2004, first rising to prominence in 2006 when he announced the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Always appearing masked, he became a symbolic figure in Gaza and beyond, delivering the group’s most high-profile statements and often engaging in psychological messaging against Israel.
His last written statement, issued Friday, warned Israel that any offensive into Gaza City would place hostages in the same danger as Hamas fighters. In a televised message two weeks earlier, he had attempted to pressure Israel into accepting a ceasefire-for-hostages deal.
Hamas Confirms Death of Mohammed Sinwar
In a related development, Hamas on Sunday confirmed the death of Mohammed Sinwar, its presumed leader in Gaza and younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the group’s overall chief in the territory. Pictures released by Hamas showed him alongside other commanders described as “martyrs of the military council.”
Mohammed Sinwar had reportedly led Hamas’s military council after the death of Mohammed Deif, the group’s military commander. Israel said it eliminated Sinwar in May during a strike near Khan Yunis and later identified his body in a tunnel beneath the European Hospital.
The ongoing conflict stems from Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli figures. Hamas fighters also abducted 251 hostages, of whom 47 remain in Gaza; around 20 are believed to still be alive.
Israel has since waged a months-long military campaign in Gaza, vowing to dismantle Hamas’s leadership and military infrastructure. If confirmed, the elimination of Abu Obeida—long considered one of Hamas’s most symbolic figures—would mark a significant blow to the group’s propaganda and psychological warfare capabilities.
