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What is the story about?
Hamas' armed wing spokesperson, known by the pseudonym Abu Obeida, was killed earlier this year, they announced on Monday. The confirmation comes months after Israel reported that he had been killed in an air strike in Gaza.
In a video statement, the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, confirmed the death of their long-time spokesman and introduced a new masked spokesperson.
According to Al Jazeera, this marks the first official confirmation from Hamas of the death of the figure who became the face of the group’s media strategy throughout Israel's two-year war on Gaza.
Abu Obeida, who served as the voice of Hamas’s so-called military wing, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an IDF strike on Gaza City on Aug. 31, according to The Jerusalem Post.
In the statement, the new spokesman also revealed Abu Obeida’s true identity for the first time, disclosing that his real name was Hudhayfah Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout.
About Abu Obeida
Born on Feb. 11, 1985, and raised in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, Abu Obeida joined Hamas at an early age before becoming a member of the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, AFP reported. Over the years, he emerged as the group’s sole spokesperson, delivering video statements in a military-style uniform while consistently concealing his face with a red keffiyeh.
Hudhayfah Samir al-Kahlout became a central figure both for Gazans and for Arab and international media, as they awaited official statements on battlefield updates, ceasefire violations, and Israeli captive-for-Palestinian prisoner deals during the short-lived ceasefire earlier this year, whichIsrael unilaterally broke, AFP reported.
His statements were considered authoritative, and he was closely followed for updates during critical moments of conflict.
Kahlout survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts over the years. According to Hamas officials, he embodied what they described as ‘resistance’ and was known for fiery and impactful speeches, many of which included threats against Israel or announcements of military operations.
“For many years, only a very small circle of Hamas officials knew his true identity,” a Hamas official told AFP.
The video announcing Abu Obeida’s death was presented by a masked figure dressed in the former spokesperson’s signature style, who stated that he would use his predecessor’s name for all future statements.
In a video statement, the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, confirmed the death of their long-time spokesman and introduced a new masked spokesperson.
According to Al Jazeera, this marks the first official confirmation from Hamas of the death of the figure who became the face of the group’s media strategy throughout Israel's two-year war on Gaza.
Abu Obeida, who served as the voice of Hamas’s so-called military wing, the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an IDF strike on Gaza City on Aug. 31, according to The Jerusalem Post.
In the statement, the new spokesman also revealed Abu Obeida’s true identity for the first time, disclosing that his real name was Hudhayfah Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout.
About Abu Obeida
Born on Feb. 11, 1985, and raised in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, Abu Obeida joined Hamas at an early age before becoming a member of the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, AFP reported. Over the years, he emerged as the group’s sole spokesperson, delivering video statements in a military-style uniform while consistently concealing his face with a red keffiyeh.
Hudhayfah Samir al-Kahlout became a central figure both for Gazans and for Arab and international media, as they awaited official statements on battlefield updates, ceasefire violations, and Israeli captive-for-Palestinian prisoner deals during the short-lived ceasefire earlier this year, whichIsrael unilaterally broke, AFP reported.
His statements were considered authoritative, and he was closely followed for updates during critical moments of conflict.
Kahlout survived multiple Israeli assassination attempts over the years. According to Hamas officials, he embodied what they described as ‘resistance’ and was known for fiery and impactful speeches, many of which included threats against Israel or announcements of military operations.
“For many years, only a very small circle of Hamas officials knew his true identity,” a Hamas official told AFP.
The video announcing Abu Obeida’s death was presented by a masked figure dressed in the former spokesperson’s signature style, who stated that he would use his predecessor’s name for all future statements.
