Defense Minister declares Hamas representative to be out-of-order

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has announced the death of Abu Obeida, the long-time spokesperson of Hamas' military wing, in Gaza. Katz congratulated the army and the Shin Bet internal security service for the "perfect execution" of the operation.

The news of Abu Obeida's death comes after an attack in the west of the city of Gaza on Saturday, which reportedly targeted a residential building in the Rimal neighborhood, a wealthy area before the war. At least seven people were killed in the attack, according to the civil defense controlled by Hamas.

The Israeli army later confirmed that Abu Obeida had been killed in the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed hope that Abu Obeida was no longer among them. An image of Abu Obeida crossed out with a red X was shared alongside Katz's statement.

However, Hamas has not officially confirmed the death of Abu Obeida. Rumors about his death are perceived as part of Israel's psychological warfare, according to Hamas circles. The public is urged not to spread these rumors.

Abu Obeida was one of the most well-known representatives of Hamas and always appeared veiled at appearances and video messages. Since the beginning of the Gaza war almost two years ago, Israel has already killed numerous high-ranking Hamas leaders and commanders, including Jihia al-Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif.

Netanyahu noticed a lack of communication about Abu Obeida's death from the Hamas side, suggesting uncertainty about his fate. Katz predicted that many of Abu Obeida's accomplices in Hamas would join him in the afterlife.

The figures do not distinguish between civilians and fighters of the terror organizations and cannot be independently verified, but are considered credible by the UN. According to the health authority controlled by Hamas, almost 63,500 Palestinians have been killed and around 160,000 more injured since the beginning of the Gaza war.

The trigger for the Gaza war was the attack by Hamas and other Islamic groups on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages taken to the Gaza Strip. The conflict, now in its second year, continues to escalate with no clear end in sight.