DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip—The Israeli military announced Sunday that it killed the longtime spokesperson for the Hamas terrorist group’s armed wing, as the country’s security cabinet met to discuss the expanding offensive in some of Gaza’s most populated areas.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz identified the spokesperson as Abu Obeida, the nom de guerre for the person who represented Hamas’s Qassam Brigades. He was killed over the weekend. Hamas has not commented on the claim.
Abu Obeida’s last statement was issued Friday as Israel began the initial stages of the new offensive and declared Gaza City a combat zone. His statement said the terrorists would do their best to protect living hostages but warned that they would be in areas of fighting. He said the remains of dead hostages would “disappear forever.”
Israel’s military said the spokesperson, whom it identified as Hudahaifa Kahlout, had been behind the release of videos showing hostages as well as footage of the Hamas-led attack that sparked the war. The military also reiterated a threat against remaining Hamas leaders abroad.
Israel has killed many of Hamas’s military and political leaders as it attempts to dismantle the group and prevent an attack like the one on Oct. 7, 2023, when terrorists abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200, mostly civilians, in southern Israel.
Fewer than 50 hostages remain in Gaza, and Israel believes about 20 are alive. Families protested outside the security cabinet meeting, angry that it was not discussing a ceasefire.
“It is our side that is unwilling to sign a comprehensive deal and is unwilling to end the war and is deciding to sacrifice my child while he is still alive,” said Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker.
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