Israel Confirms Killing of Hamas Spokesperson Abu Obeida

In a dramatic escalation of the Gaza conflict, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Abu Obeida, the long-time spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, was killed in an Israeli airstrike over the weekend in Gaza. Obeida, whose real name was Hudayfa Samir al-Kahlout, had become the symbolic voice of Hamas since 2007, appearing in countless recorded messages with his trademark red keffiyeh covering his face.

His final public remarks came just days before his death, when he declared Hamas’ readiness in Gaza City despite Israel’s intensified offensive. Obeida had pledged that Hamas would “preserve the lives of hostages,” while warning that the remains of deceased captives would “disappear forever.” Hours later, Israeli forces declared Gaza City a combat zone, signaling the beginning of a new and more aggressive phase of the war.

During a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted to the strike, stating that he “hoped Obeida was no longer among the living,” though he noted that Hamas had not yet responded to confirm or deny his death. Intelligence officials later clarified that the strike targeted a building in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, killing Obeida along with several others.

Heavy Civilian Toll in Gaza City

Since Saturday, at least 43 Palestinians have been killed, mostly in northern Gaza, with Gaza City bearing the brunt of airstrikes and artillery fire. The territory’s largest hospital, Shifa Hospital, received at least 29 bodies, including ten people who had been killed while attempting to collect humanitarian aid. At Al-Awda Hospital, seven more civilians were reported dead while trying to reach food distribution points.

Eyewitnesses described the situation in the Netzarim Corridor—a zone under Israeli military control—as a “death trap.” Civilians attempting to cross in search of food and medicine reported being met with gunfire. Entire residential areas in Sheikh Radwan, Zeitoun, and Sabra were pounded by Israeli strikes, leaving streets filled with rubble and survivors digging through collapsed buildings.

Mounting Humanitarian Catastrophe

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached alarming proportions. The United Nations reports that nearly 65,000 people have been displaced since the beginning of August, and more than 90% of Gaza’s population—over two million people—have experienced displacement at least once since the war began.

Famine conditions are worsening as food and aid convoys struggle to reach besieged areas. Gaza’s Health Ministry confirmed that seven adults died in the past 24 hours from starvation-related causes, raising the number of famine-related adult deaths to 215 since July. Children have been hit especially hard: 124 have died from malnutrition-related illnesses since October.

The overall death toll in Gaza now stands at over 63,000 people, the majority being women and children. Medical workers warn the real figures may be even higher, as many remain buried under rubble or in inaccessible areas.

Global Reactions and Rising Pressure

International alarm is growing over the worsening conditions. Human rights groups have condemned the targeting of areas around aid distribution points. Meanwhile, a solidarity flotilla named “Sumud”, carrying activists, medical supplies, and international public figures, has departed from Barcelona with the aim of delivering emergency relief to Gaza despite Israel’s naval blockade.

Despite these efforts, humanitarian access remains extremely limited. Israel has maintained that its military campaign is aimed at dismantling Hamas’ leadership and military infrastructure following the group’s October 7 attacks, which killed over 1,200 people in Israel and saw hundreds abducted into Gaza.

Outlook

With Abu Obeida—one of Hamas’ most recognizable figures—eliminated, Israel has struck a symbolic and strategic blow. However, the assault on Gaza is far from over. The siege of Gaza City continues to intensify, civilian suffering is worsening by the day, and the humanitarian collapse shows no sign of abating.

As both sides prepare for further confrontation, the future of Gaza remains uncertain—its people trapped between relentless bombardment and growing famine, with the world watching in mounting concern.