Israel Kills Hamas Spokesman Abu Obeida in Gaza Airstrike

Israeli forces confirmed the killing of Abu Obeida, the chief spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, in an airstrike in northern Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both announced the elimination, with Katz describing it as a flawless execution and promising more targeted operations against Hamas. The IDF stated that Abu Obeida was responsible for Hamas’s propaganda for over a decade, coordinating media and military messaging and distributing footage inciting terror, including videos of hostages and the October 7 massacre. The operation was a joint effort by the IDF, Shin Bet, and Military Intelligence, based on prior intelligence pinpointing Abu Obeida’s location. Israeli officials expressed cautious optimism before the confirmation, while Hamas initially dismissed the reports as psychological warfare. The announcement comes amid escalating conflict in Gaza, with Israel preparing for a ground invasion and the UN warning of a severe humanitarian crisis.