While Israel hails it as a major success, reports of civilian deaths and destruction highlight the growing humanitarian cost as plans to capture Gaza City move forward. (Image Credits: X/ The Siasat Daily)
Israel has announced the death of Abu Obeida, the masked spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, in a series of air strikes on Gaza City. Defence Minister Israel Katz congratulated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and security agency Shin Bet for what he described as the “flawless execution” of the operation.
While Katz offered no details on the exact time or location, the IDF earlier confirmed that its aircraft struck “a key terrorist” in the al-Rimal neighbourhood on Saturday. Israeli media later reported that Obeida was the intended target. Hamas has not yet confirmed his death.
Local journalists said at least seven people were killed and 20 others injured in the strikes on the densely populated district, with children among the casualties. Hamas accused Israel of killing dozens of civilians in the attack on a residential building.
Mohammed Emad, a barber whose shop is just 100 metres from the hit site, described the scene to the BBC: “The blasts were terrifying – I couldn’t move for more than an hour. I saw injured children with blood covering their faces, and people were running in every direction as if the world had ended.”
The IDF and Shin Bet later issued a joint statement confirming that the strike was enabled by prior intelligence. Five missiles struck the second and third floors of a six-storey apartment block simultaneously from two directions. The flat, previously operating as a dentist’s surgery, was reportedly used as Obeida’s hideout.
Witnesses said large amounts of cash were blown into the air following the blast. Some of it was taken by locals but later recovered by Hamas.
Believed to be around 40 years old, Abu Obeida was one of the few senior members of Hamas’s military wing still active since the group’s October 7, 2023, assault on southern Israel. Always masked with a Palestinian scarf, he became an icon for Hamas supporters across the Middle East, delivering fiery speeches against Israel.
In what may have been his final address on Friday, Obeida warned that the fate of remaining Israeli hostages would be tied to that of Hamas fighters, vowing to resist Israel’s planned invasion of Gaza City.
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The strike comes as Israel prepares for a full offensive to seize control of Gaza City. Defence Minister Katz warned that more of Obeida’s “criminal partners” would be targeted as operations intensify. The UN has cautioned that a complete takeover of Gaza City could have “catastrophic consequences” for civilians and hostages. The UK’s ambassador to Israel has called the plan “a huge mistake.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to defeat Hamas despite mounting international criticism.
