Hamas confirms death of Al-Qassam spokesperson Abu Obeida, other senior leaders

Hamas has confirmed that its armed wing spokesperson, known as Abu Obeida, and Mohammed Sinwar, a senior leader and former head of the group in Gaza, were killed earlier this year during Israel’s military campaign.

In a video statement released on Monday, the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, confirmed the death of its longtime masked spokesperson and announced the appointment of a new spokesperson, also appearing with a concealed identity, Al Jazeera reported.

This marks the first official confirmation by Hamas of Abu Obeida’s death. The figure had become the public face of the group’s messaging during the nearly two-year conflict in Gaza, issuing frequent statements on battlefield developments, ceasefire negotiations and prisoner exchanges.

In the statement, the new spokesperson disclosed Abu Obeida’s real identity for the first time, saying his name was Hudhayfah Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout. He described Abu Obeida as a senior leader of the group and said the title of spokesperson had been passed on.

The Israeli military had said in May that it killed Mohammed Sinwar, the younger brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. It later claimed Abu Obeida was also killed during operations in Gaza.

Hamas said Mohammed Sinwar had succeeded Mohammed Deif as the al-Qassam Brigades’ chief of staff following Deif’s death and led the group through what it described as a difficult phase before being killed.

The al-Qassam Brigades also confirmed the deaths of several other senior commanders, including Mohammed Shabanah, head of its Rafah Brigade, as well as Hakam al-Issa and Raed Saad.

Abu Obeida’s final public statement was released in early September, as Israeli forces intensified operations in Gaza City and declared parts of the area combat zones, triggering large-scale displacement.

The new spokesperson said Hamas remains committed to the ceasefire that came into effect more than two months ago, accusing Israel of repeated violations. He rejected calls for disarmament and said the group would continue to defend itself as long as Israeli occupation persists.

According to the Palestinian health ministry, since the ceasefire began on October 11, at least 414 Palestinians have been killed and 1,145 wounded, while hundreds of bodies have been recovered. Since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, the ministry said more than 71,000 people have been killed and over 170,000 injured.