Gaza City, Sep 01 (V7N) – The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Abu Obeida, a senior spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City. Israeli officials said the operation targeted Obeida in the densely populated al-Rimal neighborhood, killing at least seven people and wounding 20 others, including children.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the operation on social media, congratulating the IDF and Shin Bet security agency for what he called a “terrible operation.” The IDF and Shin Bet said the strike was conducted based on intelligence that identified Obeida’s hideout.

Obeida, in his late 40s, was a key spokesperson for Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades, often appearing with his face covered by a Palestinian scarf. He had been active in southern Israel before the October 7, 2023 attack and frequently made public statements against Israel.

During the airstrike, five Israeli missiles simultaneously hit the second and third floors of a six-story building, which was being used as a dentist’s office. Obeida had previously warned Israel of a planned invasion of Gaza City in what is believed to have been his final public statement on Friday, August 22.

Hamas has not yet confirmed Obeida’s death, though the group had reported that a large number of civilians were killed and injured in Israeli strikes in the area.

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