Hamas Spokesperson Labeled as Inactive or Invalid by Defense Minister
In a significant development during the ongoing Gaza war, Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced the death of Hamas' military wing spokesperson, Abu Obeida, in Gaza. Katz declared Abu Obeida "neutralized" in Gaza, stating that Israel had eliminated him.
The Gaza war began on October 7, 2023, following an attack by Hamas and other Islamic groups on Israel. The conflict has been marked by violence and loss, with nearly 63,500 Palestinians reportedly killed and around 160,000 injured since its start, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority.
The residential building in the Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City was targeted in one of the attacks. Abu Obeida, known for always appearing veiled in public appearances and video messages, was reportedly among the casualties.
However, the official confirmation of the death circumstances of Abu Obeida was made by Katz himself. He congratulated the army and the Shin Bet internal security service for the "perfect execution" of the operation and described Abu Obeida's death as sending him "to the depths of hell."
Katz predicted that "many of his accomplices" in Hamas would follow Abu Obeida. Meanwhile, Hamas circles suggested that reports of Abu Obeida's death were part of Israel's psychological warfare.
In addition to Abu Obeida, numerous high-ranking Hamas leaders and commanders, including Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif, have been killed since the start of the Gaza war.
The United Nations considers the figures of Palestinian casualties in the Gaza war credible, but they do not distinguish between civilians and fighters of the terror organizations and cannot be independently verified. The UN has expressed concern over the high number of casualties and the disproportionate impact on civilians.
The Gaza war has also resulted in the taking of more than 250 hostages by terrorists to the Gaza Strip, according to reports. The situation remains tense, with both sides calling for a ceasefire but neither showing signs of backing down.
