The armed wing of Hamas confirmed the death of its spokesman Abu Obeida on Monday, months after Israel announced that he had been killed in an airstrike in Gaza.
The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades released a video statement on its Telegram channel, saying: “We pay tribute to… the masked man who is loved by millions… the great fallen commander and spokesperson of the Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida.”
Israel previously announced that it had killed Abu Obeida in an attack on Gaza on August 30.
During the war, Abu Obeida, whose real name was Hudhayfa Samir al-Kahlout, was a central figure, awaited by the residents of Gaza, as well as the Arab and international media, for official statements from Hamas, especially regarding the exchange of prisoners.
Born on February 11, 1985 and raised in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, Abu Obeida joined Hamas at an early age before becoming a member of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades.
He later became the group’s sole spokesperson, giving video statements in military uniform, always hiding his face with a red keffiyeh.
He was the target of several Israeli assassination attempts.
According to Hamas officials, Abu Obeida embodied what they described as “resistance” and was known for fiery and influential speeches, many of which included threats against Israel or announcements of military operations.
– For many years, only a very small circle of Hamas officials knew his true identity – a Hamas official told AFP.
Israel blasted Hamas’ leadership, saying it wanted to exterminate the group after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, triggering the war.
The video announcing Abu Obeida’s death showed a masked man dressed in the signature style of the former spokesman, who said he would use his name for official statements in the future.
In the same video, he also announced the death of four more Hamas commanders in Israeli attacks during the war.
(Vijesti.ba)
