Israel has announced the death of Abu Obeida, the masked spokesman of Hamas’s armed wing, following an airstrike on Gaza City that struck a residential building in the al-Rimal neighborhood on Saturday.
Defence Minister Israel Katz praised the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet for what he called a “flawless operation,” saying the strike was based on prior intelligence that pinpointed Obeida’s location. Hamas has not confirmed his death.
Local reports indicated that at least seven people, including children, were killed and 20 more injured in the attack, which targeted the second and third floors of a six-storey building previously used as a dental clinic.
Witnesses described terrifying scenes as explosions sent residents fleeing, with debris and cash scattered across the streets.
Obeida, believed to be around 40, was one of the last remaining senior members of Hamas’s military wing active before the group’s October 2023 assault on southern Israel.
Known for his speeches delivered behind a scarf-covered face, he served as the public voice of the al-Qassam Brigades and regularly issued warnings against Israel.
The strike comes amid preparations for a planned Israeli offensive to seize control of Gaza City.
The UN has warned that such an operation could bring catastrophic consequences for civilians and the estimated hostages still held in the territory.
Israel says it intends to evacuate residents before launching its ground assault, though Gaza’s infrastructure has already collapsed under months of bombardment.
Since October 2023, more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, while Israel maintains that defeating Hamas remains its central objective.