Gaza, December 29, 2025: Hamas has officially confirmed the death of its long-time armed wing spokesperson, Abu Obeida, and former Gaza leader Mohammed Sinwar, in Israel’s ongoing military operations earlier this year. The announcement was made on Monday in a video statement by the group’s military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades.
In the statement, the Qassam Brigades introduced a new masked spokesperson and revealed Abu Obeida’s real identity for the first time as Hudhayfah Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout. “We announce with pride the martyrdom of the great leader… Abu Obeida. We have inherited his title,” the new spokesperson said.
Israel had previously claimed responsibility for the killings. The Israeli military stated in May that it had killed Mohammed Sinwar, the younger brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Abu Obeida was reportedly killed three months later. Abu Obeida had been a central voice for Hamas in Gaza, providing battlefield updates, ceasefire information, and statements on prisoner exchange negotiations. His last statement came in early September, just before Israel launched a new assault on Gaza City.
The al-Qassam Brigades also confirmed the deaths of several other senior commanders, including Mohammed Shabanah, head of the Rafah Brigade, and leaders Hakam al-Issa and Raed Saad. These losses add to a growing list of top Hamas military and political figures targeted by Israel over the past two years, including Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh.
Mohammed Sinwar had succeeded Deif as brigades’ chief of staff before being killed himself. The new spokesperson emphasized that despite the ceasefire that took effect over two months ago, Hamas remains committed to defending itself against what it describes as “repeated Israeli violations.”
“Our people defend themselves and will not give up their weapons as long as the occupation remains,” he said, rejecting calls for disarmament. “We will not surrender, even if we have to fight with our fingernails.” The statement called on the international community to pressure Israel to honor the truce and warned that Hamas reserves the right to respond to violations.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed and 1,145 wounded since the ceasefire began on October 11. Since the war’s outbreak on October 7, 2023, the conflict has claimed 71,266 lives and injured 171,222 people.
