 "Who was Abu Obeida, Hamas spokesperson killed in Gaza?")
Abu Obeida, the longtime spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing in the Gaza Strip, was killed in an air strike, the Israeli military said on Sunday.
Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the security agency Shin Bet for the “flawless execution” in a post on X.
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The military’s statement came as Israel’s security cabinet met to review the growing offensive in some of Gaza’s most crowded areas.
Hamas and its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, have not responded to the claim. In the past, Hamas has rarely confirmed the deaths of its leaders immediately, often waiting weeks or even months.
So, who was Abu Obeida? How did he die?
Let’s take a look:
Who was Abu Obeida?
He was the spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing. Obeida was killed over the weekend, although Hamas has not confirmed the claim.
His final statement came on Friday, as Israel launched the first phase of its new offensive and declared Gaza City a combat zone.
In that statement, he said the militants would try to safeguard living hostages but warned they would remain in combat areas. He also said the bodies of dead hostages would “disappear forever.”
Obeida was one of the last remaining senior figures in Hamas’s military wing from before the deadly October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.
According to BBC, five missiles struck the second and third floors of a six-storey building in the al-Rimal neighbourhood at the same time from two different directions.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe flat that was hit had been used as a dentist’s clinic. Witnesses said large amounts of cash were seen flying into the air after the strike, with some taken by locals but later recovered by Hamas.
Over the years, Obeida, thought to be about 40, delivered lengthy speeches against Israel on behalf of the al-Qassam Brigades.
Always seen wearing a Palestinian scarf to cover his face, he became a symbol for Hamas supporters across West Asia.
He had served as the Qassam Brigades’ spokesperson since 2004 and gained attention in 2006 when he announced the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Abu Obeida, which translates to “Obeida’s father,” was a nom de guerre. American and Israeli officials identified him as Hudhayfa al-Kahlut, though Hamas never confirmed his true identity, The New York Times reported.
Israel’s new military offensive in Gaza
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended a new military push in Gaza, saying it was broader than previously revealed.
Facing rising criticism both at home and abroad, he said Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.”
Netanyahu said the security cabinet had directed the dismantling of Hamas strongholds not only in Gaza City but also in the “central camps” and Muwasi.
Israel believes fewer than 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 thought to be alive. Families staged a protest outside the cabinet meeting, angry that a ceasefire was not on the agenda.
For weeks, Israel has been operating on the edges of Gaza City in preparation for this stage of the offensive. The military has also stepped up air strikes on the city’s coastal areas.
The Israeli military has told hundreds of thousands of residents in Gaza City to head south, but many say they are exhausted after repeated displacement or doubt that anywhere in Gaza is safe.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s health ministry said 215 adults have died of malnutrition-related causes since June, when it began counting, and 124 children have died since the war began.
According to the ministry, at least 63,371 Palestinians have been killed in the war.
With inputs from agencies
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