Overview
- Hamas’s Qassam Brigades said longtime masked spokesman Abu Obeida — identified as Hudhayfa al‑Kahlout — was killed in Gaza, months after Israel reported an August strike.
- The group also confirmed earlier Israeli-reported killings of Gaza military chief Mohammed Sinwar, Rafah Brigade commander Mohammed Shabana, senior commander Raed Saad, and Hakam al‑Issa.
- A new masked spokesman announced he will use the Abu Obeida name in future statements and declared that Hamas will not give up its weapons under occupation.
- The announcement was released as President Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida to discuss the next phase of the U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire.
- Hamas published updated photographs of slain leaders, including the first unmasked image of Abu Obeida, aligning its account with Israeli statements from May, August and mid‑December.