Israel Defense Minister Says Spokesman for Hamas Armed Wing Killed
An image grab from a video released by the media office of the Palestinian Hamas movement in Gaza on its official Telegaram channel on October 16, 2023 shows Abu Obeida -- spokesman for Hamas's military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades -- speaking with his face covered in a televised statement in which he said some foreign hostages would be released by the group "when conditions are ripe". ©Hamas Media Office / AFP

Israel's defense minister said on Sunday that the army had killed Abu Obeida, spokesman for the armed wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas, a day after a strike that targeted him.

"Hamas terror spokesperson Abu Obeida was eliminated in Gaza," Minister Israel Katz said in a post on X, congratulating Israeli security forces "for the flawless execution."

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had confirmed that Abu Obeida had been targeted in Saturday's strike but stopped short of confirming his death.

Israeli Channel 14 reported on Sunday that Israel’s security services have obtained definitive confirmation of Abu Obeida’s death, ending uncertainty surrounding his fate.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the assassination attempt on Abu Obeida during a security cabinet meeting, according to Sky News Arabia, citing Israel’s Channel 14.

“The Israeli army targeted Abu Obeida, and we are awaiting the results,” Netanyahu said, noting that Hamas was delaying confirmation of his death.

At the start of the meeting, he added, “We are still waiting for results. I noticed Hamas’ statement was somewhat delayed. It seems we are not being kept updated on this matter.”

The Israeli army, for its part, said Abu Obeida’s condition was still under verification but that he was likely seriously injured.

 

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