IDF Kills Hamas Spokesman Abu Obayda in Airstrike Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released footage and a rare photograph confirming the targeted killing of Hudhaifa Kahlout, known as Abu Obayda, the spokesman and head of propaganda for Hamas's military wing, in a joint IDF-Shin Bet operation on August 30. Abu Obayda was a key figure orchestrating Hamas's psychological warfare, including overseeing camera distribution to document the October 7 massacre and circulating videos of Israeli hostages. The published photograph shows him alongside other senior Hamas commanders, such as Muhammad Deif, Rafa’a Salameh, and Muhammad Odeh, all of whom have been killed in separate Israeli strikes. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the strike as a “flawless execution,” emphasizing it as a significant blow to Hamas’s leadership and propaganda capabilities. The IDF also reported controlling 40% of Gaza City amid ongoing military operations. This elimination underscores Israel’s continued efforts to dismantle Hamas’s military and media hierarchy during the conflict.