Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida killed in Gaza, Israel says

Abu Obeida speaks at Hamas military show in southern Gaza Strip, Nov 11, 2019.
Reuters

Abu Obeida, the spokesman for Hamas's armed wing, has been killed in an aerial attack in Gaza City, according to Israel.

Hamas has not confirmed his death. The strikes targeted Obeida based on intelligence gathered by the IDF and Shin Bet, identifying his hiding place. The operation hit the second and third floors of a six-storey apartment building used as a dentist’s surgery. Witnesses said large sums of money scattered after the strikes but were later recovered by Hamas.

Obeida, believed to be about 40 years old, had been a senior figure in Hamas’s military wing since before the 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel. He often appeared masked in public and delivered speeches warning Israel against its planned Gaza City offensive.

The Israeli military said steps were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including using precision weapons and aerial observations. The IDF has announced plans to seize control of Gaza City, aiming to end the 22-month conflict.

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