Israel reported that its forces successfully eliminated a key figure in Hamas, announcing the death of the armed group’s spokesman, Abu Obeida, during a recent strike in Gaza. This development marks a significant point in a conflict that has lasted nearly two years, with the Israeli Defence Minister, Israel Katz, confirming the operation via social media.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously highlighted that Obeida was specifically targeted in the attack, as part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s leadership. Over the past 23 months of intense fighting, Israel has claimed to have substantially weakened Hamas, aiming not only to eradicate the armed group but also to secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, assault that ignited this latest round of conflict.
Military chief Eyal Zamir pledged that operations against Hamas leaders would persist, asserting that many are currently outside of Gaza. While Hamas has yet to officially respond to the killing, Abu Obeida, whose real name is Hudaifa al-Kahlut, had been a prominent figure, regularly delivering messages dressed in military attire and a keffiyeh scarf.
On the ground, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Smoke filled the air over Gaza City, and residents witnessed the devastation from airstrikes—bloodstained items and damaged shelters littered the streets. Local resident Ashraf Abu Amsha spoke of widespread terror and destruction that unfolded overnight, stating that fear was rampant among those displaced by the ongoing conflict.
In anticipation of a potential offensive to capture Gaza City, Israel has intensified its bombardment of the region, prompting concerns from humanitarian groups. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum cautioned against widening military operations, suggesting such actions could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages—47 individuals believed to still be held by Hamas, among whom 25 have been reported as deceased.
Families of the captives, including Einav Zangauker—mother of a hostage—voiced their frustrations with the Israeli government for refusing a truce that could lead to the safe return of hostages. Meanwhile, recent strikes across Gaza resulted in significant casualties, with reports from Gaza’s civil defense agency indicating at least 63 fatalities on a single day, including many near aid distribution points.
Residents living in makeshift camps express deep fear as night falls, with many now unable to sleep peacefully. Iman Rajab, a local, pleaded for an end to the violence, sharing the toll that ongoing displacement, fear, and hunger have taken on the communities.
Despite reporting by the civil defense, the Israeli military noted it was “not aware of casualties” related to its operations near humanitarian sites. The challenging conditions in Gaza limit independent verification of the reported casualties.
The elimination of Abu Obeida adds to a growing list of senior Hamas figures who have been targeted in recent Israeli operations. Notable deaths have included leader Yahya Sinwar and political chief Ismail Haniyeh. The conflict has escalated severely since the October assault, which resulted in substantial loss of life, including approximately 1,219 people in Israel, while the retaliatory offensive has reportedly claimed over 63,000 Palestinian lives, predominantly civilians, according to sources from the Gaza health ministry, acknowledged as reliable by the United Nations.
