Abu Obeida, the spokesman for Hamas's armed wing, has been killed in an air strike in Gaza City, according to Israel. Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the security agency, Shin Bet, for what he termed a 'flawless execution' of the operation, the details of which remain largely undisclosed. The IDF had previously announced its aircraft targeted 'a key terrorist' in the al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza, and Israeli media reported Obeida was the target of this mission.
Hamas has yet to confirm Obeida's death, although it has stated that numerous civilians were killed and injured in the strikes that hit a residential building. Katz issued a warning for further retaliation against Obeida's 'criminal partners,' referencing a newly approved plan to seize control of Gaza City.
The IDF and Shin Bet issued a statement detailing that the operation was based on intelligence gathered ahead of the strikes, which involved five missiles targeting a two-floor section of a six-story building. An unusual incident occurred as witnesses reported seeing large amounts of cash flying in the air after the impact, with some of this reportedly stolen by Hamas members.
Abu Obeida had risen to prominence as a key figure within Hamas, known for his long speeches condemning Israel while masked in a Palestinian scarf. His most recent address on the eve of his death warned that Israeli hostages would share the same fate as Hamas fighters, amidst escalating hostilities.
The airstrike came during ongoing Israeli military actions prompted by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostilities in the region. With over 63,000 Palestinians reported dead since the start of the conflict, conditions in Gaza City have deteriorated significantly, prompting concerns from international bodies about humanitarian crises and civil casualties. Israeli military plans currently include evacuating Gaza City's residents before further military engagements, although the situation remains dire with extensive civilian suffering reported.
Hamas has yet to confirm Obeida's death, although it has stated that numerous civilians were killed and injured in the strikes that hit a residential building. Katz issued a warning for further retaliation against Obeida's 'criminal partners,' referencing a newly approved plan to seize control of Gaza City.
The IDF and Shin Bet issued a statement detailing that the operation was based on intelligence gathered ahead of the strikes, which involved five missiles targeting a two-floor section of a six-story building. An unusual incident occurred as witnesses reported seeing large amounts of cash flying in the air after the impact, with some of this reportedly stolen by Hamas members.
Abu Obeida had risen to prominence as a key figure within Hamas, known for his long speeches condemning Israel while masked in a Palestinian scarf. His most recent address on the eve of his death warned that Israeli hostages would share the same fate as Hamas fighters, amidst escalating hostilities.
The airstrike came during ongoing Israeli military actions prompted by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostilities in the region. With over 63,000 Palestinians reported dead since the start of the conflict, conditions in Gaza City have deteriorated significantly, prompting concerns from international bodies about humanitarian crises and civil casualties. Israeli military plans currently include evacuating Gaza City's residents before further military engagements, although the situation remains dire with extensive civilian suffering reported.
