Abu Obeida, the sole public face of the group, was killed in an Israeli airstrike that struck an apartment in western Gaza City on August 30, according to media reports.

Israeli military sources had previously stated they had targeted a “key Hamas operative” and were “cautiously optimistic” that they had succeeded. A Palestinian source, speaking to a media channel, later confirmed that Abu Obeida and all occupants in the apartment were killed, and that his body was identified by family members and senior Qassam officials.

Abu Obeida—whose real name is believed to be Hudhayfah Samir Abdallah al-Kahlout—had served as Hamas’s primary media spokesperson since at least 2007, famously appearing masked to issue statements during military operations and hostage negotiations.

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His death represents one of the most significant symbolic blows to Hamas’s media presence amid the escalating war in Gaza. Already, Israeli outlets reported on Saturday that the army had specifically targeted the residence where he was staying, labeling him a high-profile figure whose elimination would disrupt the group’s public messaging strategy.

The killing of Abu Obeida in a precision strike marks a high-stakes moment in the ongoing conflict, both militarily and in the realm of psychological warfare.