Known for his masked appearances and propagandist videos, Abu Obeida whose real name was reported as Hudhayfa al-Kahlut had become the voice of Hamas' military campaigns for years.
He was particularly prominent after the October 7, 2023 attacks, during which Hamas militants stormed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.
Israeli officials described his elimination as a major symbolic and operational blow to Hamas' communication strategy.
Military spokespeople stated that Obeida had not only served as a mouthpiece but also played a role in coordinating propaganda efforts that encouraged violence and sought to project strength during Israel's continuing offensive in Gaza.
The announcement of Obeida's death coincided with a high-level meeting of Israel's security cabinet.
Ministers met to discuss widening the Gaza offensive, particularly into densely populated urban areas. According to reports, the session focused on strengthening the military's operational scope rather than considering a ceasefire.
The absence of any discussion on negotiations has sparked growing anger among families of Israeli hostages, many of whom fear for their loved ones' lives as fighting escalates.
Demonstrations were reported outside government buildings, where relatives demanded that securing the release of captives remain a top priority.
Over the weekend, the Israeli military intensified strikes across Gaza City, officially declaring it a 'combat zone.'
At least 43 Palestinians were confirmed killed between Saturday and Sunday, many of them in airstrikes and others while attempting to collect desperately needed humanitarian aid.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels. The United Nations estimates that more than 90% of the population has been displaced, with families forced to move multiple times in search of safety.
Aid agencies report that hundreds of people, including children, have died from hunger and malnutrition, as food, water, and medical supplies remain critically scarce. The ongoing blockade and restrictions on aid delivery have intensified fears of famine spreading further.
Israel's actions in Gaza have drawn sharp criticism from humanitarian groups and international observers. The expansion of strikes into crowded neighborhoods has raised alarms about compliance with international law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians.
Meanwhile, infrastructure projects under way in southern Gaza initiated by Israeli authoritiesâ€"are being criticized as measures that could amount to forced displacement of Palestinians, further complicating prospects for peace.
For Israel, the killing of Abu Obeida is being presented as a victory that undermines Hamas' ability to project power through media and psychological warfare. For many Palestinians, however, his death is likely to be portrayed as martyrdom, reinforcing narratives of resistance in the face of overwhelming military pressure.
Rania Umutoni
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/israel-kills-hamas-spokesperson-as-gaza-offensive-intensifies
