Overview
- The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said its longtime masked spokesman Abu Obeida and Gaza leader Mohammed Sinwar were killed months ago.
- The group also named senior commanders Mohammed Shabanah, Raed Saad and Hakam al-Issi as killed in recent Israeli strikes.
- Hamas released updated images and disclosed Abu Obeida’s identity as Hudhaifa (Khadifeh) al-Kahlout, a first for the group’s messaging apparatus.
- A new masked spokesman appeared and said he will carry the nom de guerre “Abu Obeida,” signaling continuity in the role.
- The confirmations align with Israeli assertions that Sinwar was killed on May 13 and that Abu Obeida was struck on August 30 in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood, with Israel later saying Sinwar’s body was identified in a Khan Younis tunnel.