Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on August 30, 2025, that Hamas’s long-serving military spokesperson Abu Obeida was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. The strike marks a significant blow to Hamas’s leadership, as Abu Obeida was among the last surviving senior figures of the group’s military wing, renowned for his impassioned speeches and symbolic presence since 2006.
Abu Obeida was often the masked voice of Hamas's Al-Qassam Brigades and a key figure in their messaging throughout the conflict, which escalated after the Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023. His death was hailed by Israeli officials as a “perfect execution” by the IDF and the Shin Bet as the military prepares for further operations in Gaza. The targeted strike happened in an apartment in Gaza City, and Palestinian sources later confirmed his death after identification by family and Hamas leaders.
This development comes amid ongoing violence and military operations as Israel intensifies efforts to dismantle Hamas's leadership within the Gaza Strip ahead of a projected large-scale assault. The killing of Abu Obeida signifies a critical moment in the prolonged conflict, further complicating prospects for ceasefire and peace in the region.