Hamas announces death of military spokesperson Abu Obeida after months of speculation

Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, announced on Monday the death of its military spokesperson Abu Obeida, confirming for the first time that he was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza nearly four months ago.

Abu Obeida, whose real name is Huthaifa Samir al-Kahlout, was killed in late August when an Israeli strike hit a residential apartment in Gaza City, killing him along with his wife, daughter and son.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz had claimed responsibility at the time, declaring on X that the army had "eliminated" Abu Obeida and vowing to hunt down remaining Hamas leaders.

The statement was later echoed by the Israeli military and Shin Bet, who said the strike was based on intelligence about his location.

Hamas and the Al-Qassam Brigades remained silent for months, neither confirming nor denying the Israeli claims as speculation built.

No audio or video messages from Abu Obeida were released after the attack, and Al-Qassam Brigades limited its communications to written statements on Telegram.

The Al-Qassam Brigades also announced additional names of commanders killed in Israeli strikes, including Mohammed Sinwar, who was killed in May in an Israeli strike on Khan Yunis, and senior commander in Gaza City Raed Saad, who was killed on 13 December during the "ceasefire" in an attack on his vehicle. 

Who was Abu Obeida?

Abu Obeida emerged as the first official spokesperson of the Al-Qassam Brigades in 2005, near the end of the Second Intifada.

Known for his trademark red keffiyeh and masked appearances, he became a central figure in Hamas's media operations and one of the movement's most recognisable faces.

Born to a refugee family originally from the village of Ni'ilya near Majdal, he grew up in Gaza and rose through the movement's ranks as Hamas consolidated control of the territory after 2007.

His prominence grew during key confrontations with Israel, including the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006, the 2008-09 war on Gaza, the 2012 and 2014 wars, and the 2021 Battle of Saif al-Quds.

He often appeared during major escalations to announce rocket fire on Israeli cities, battlefield developments, or messages related to Israeli prisoners.

During the current war on Gaza, Abu Obeida became the main voice communicating Hamas's battlefield claims. He issued dozens of recorded statements about operations, Israeli captives, and threats of escalation, making each appearance a moment of heightened attention for both Palestinians and Israelis.

His last known appearance was in mid-July, when he accused Arab and Muslim governments of abandoning Gaza as the enclave faced starvation tactics.

Footage later leaked by Israel showed him alongside Mohammed Deif and other senior commanders planning the 7 October assault, which Israel cited as evidence of his central role in the operation.

The announcement of his death is expected to raise further questions about Hamas's military command structure and its ability to communicate publicly as Israel continues its offensive, which Gaza authorities and UN agencies say has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and destroyed most civilian infrastructure.

No immediate details were given about who will replace Abu Obeida as spokesperson.