We’ve killed Hamas spokesman, Abu Obeida – Israel

Israel says it has killed Abu Obeida, the masked spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, in an air strike on Gaza City.

Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the “flawless execution” of the operation in a post on X, though he provided no details on when or where the strike occurred.

In a post on its X handle, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said : “ELIMINATED: Hudahaifa Kahlout “Abu Obaidah”, Head of Hamas’ Military Wing Propaganda Apparatus.

“Kahlout was one of the last remaining senior terrorists of Hamas’ Military Wing from before Oct. 7, 2023. He led propaganda and psychological terror campaigns, spreading footage of abducted Israeli civilians & soldiers and atrocities of the October 7th Massacre.

“Additionally, he distributed incitement videos across the Arab world & among the Palestinian public encouraging them to commit similar acts of terrorism, and coordinating messaging across Hamas’ military wing.”

Hamas has not confirmed his death, instead accusing Israel of bombing a residential building in the same neighbourhood and reporting dozens of civilian casualties. Local journalists said at least seven people were killed and 20 wounded, including children.

Katz warned that many more of Obeida’s “criminal partners” would be pursued with “the intensification of the campaign in Gaza,” referring to Israel’s recently approved plan to take control of Gaza City.

A joint statement by the IDF and Israel’s Shin Bet security agency said Obeida was tracked using intelligence gathered by both organisations.

According to the statement, five missiles struck the second and third floors of a six-storey apartment block from different directions. The targeted flat had been operating as a dental clinic, and witnesses reported bundles of cash bursting into the air during the blast. Hamas members later recovered large sums that were looted after the strike.

The IDF described Obeida as “the public face of the Hamas terrorist organization” who “disseminated Hamas’ propaganda.” Believed to be about 40 years old, he was among the few senior members of Hamas’s military wing still alive from before the group’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel.

In what may have been his last address on Friday, Obeida warned Israel against invading Gaza City, saying the fate of Israeli hostages would mirror that of Hamas fighters.

Israel has said it took extensive measures to limit civilian harm, using precision weapons and surveillance during Saturday’s strikes.

The strike comes as Israel moves closer to a ground operation aimed at seizing Gaza City. The UN has repeatedly cautioned that a full military takeover could have “catastrophic consequences” for civilians and hostages, while Britain’s ambassador to Israel has called the plan “a huge mistake.”

Since Israel launched its military response to Hamas’s 7 October attack — which left about 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage — more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. Israeli forces say they plan to evacuate Gaza City’s population, already heavily displaced, before troops move in.

With more than 90% of the city’s homes damaged or destroyed and famine conditions now reported, humanitarian agencies warn that Gaza’s healthcare, sanitation, and water systems have collapsed.