Israel says Hamas spokesman killed, threatens group’s leaders abroad

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has confirmed that Abu Obeida, the long-time spokesman of Hamas’ military wing, was killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza City.

“Hamas terror spokesperson Abu Obeida was eliminated in Gaza,” Katz said on X on Sunday, one day after the military said it had targeted a senior member of the Palestinian extremist group.

While the military said it had taken steps to mitigate risks to civilians, Gaza’s civil defence agency, controlled by Hamas, reported at least seven deaths in an attack on a residential building on Gaza City’s Rimal district, once considered a wealthy area.

Moments before Katz confirmed his death, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said the fate of Abu Obeida was still unclear.

“We attacked the Hamas spokesman, the spokesman for an evil and murderous organization, Abu Obeida,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying by his office.

“We still do not know the final result. While I hope that he is no longer with us, I note that there is no spokesperson to report on this from the Hamas side,” the prime minister said at the beginning of a government meeting. Shortly afterwards, the Israeli military confirmed that Abu Obeida had been killed in the attack.

No confirmation from Hamas

Hamas has so far not officially confirmed his death, after the Israeli military announced the attack on Saturday.

Hamas sources described the reports as psychological warfare, calling on Palestinians not to spread the rumours on Abu Obeida’s death.

Abu Obeida is the long-time spokesman of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades. He is known for appearing masked in public and video messages.

Since the start of its campaign in Gaza, which has laid much of the sealed-off coastal territory to ruins, Israel has killed a number of high-ranking Hamas members, including Yahya Sinwar, considered the mastermind behind October 7.

Israeli army chief threatens Hamas leaders abroad

Israel’s military also plans to take action against senior Hamas officials living abroad.

“Yesterday we struck one of Hamas’ senior leaders, Abu Obaida, after most of the Hamas leadership had already been eliminated,” said army chief Eyal Zamir during a military briefing. “Our actions are not yet complete, most of the remaining Hamas leadership is abroad, and we will reach them as well.”

The highest-ranking Hamas official abroad is Khalil al-Haja, who heads the group’s delegation in stalled indirect negotiations with Israel over a ceasefire.

He is primarily based in Qatar. Other…