Top Hamas spokesman killed

Israel on Sunday claimed responsibility for the killing of Abu Obeida, the masked spokesman of Hamas’s armed wing, in what it described as a precision strike in Gaza City.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, hailed the attack as a “flawless execution,” congratulating the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet for their coordination. He also warned that more Hamas leaders would face the same fate as Israel intensifies its campaign.

Hamas, however, has not confirmed Obeida’s death. The Palestinian group insisted the air strikes on Saturday targeted a residential building in Gaza’s al-Rimal neighbourhood, killing and injuring dozens of civilians, including children.

According to Israel, the operation was based on intelligence that identified Obeida’s hideout. Witnesses said multiple missiles tore through a six-storey building, destroying a flat that doubled as a dentist’s surgery. Reports of money flying into the air after the blast added to the chaos, with Hamas members later recovering large sums.

Obeida, believed to be in his early 40s, had for years served as the face of Hamas’s military wing, delivering fiery speeches always masked in a Palestinian scarf. His broadcasts turned him into a symbol for Hamas supporters across the Middle East.

Only a day before the strike, he had warned Israel that hostages held in Gaza would share the same fate as Hamas fighters if Israeli forces advanced into Gaza City.

The reported strike comes as Israel pushes forward with its plan to seize control of Gaza City — a move the UN has warned could lead to catastrophic consequences for civilians and hostages.

Israel’s war on Gaza began after the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that left about 1,200 Israelis dead and more than 250 taken hostage. Since then, over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to health officials in Gaza.