Hamas Spokesman Death in Gaza Strike Sparks Fear and Chaos
Israeli Strike Targets Key Hamas Figure
Israel’s military announced the death of Abu Obeida, the prominent spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, in a targeted air strike in Gaza City. The operation, described as a precision strike, took place in the al-Rimal neighbourhood, a densely populated area.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, praised the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet for their “flawless execution” in a statement shared on social media. Details about the exact timing and location of the strike remain undisclosed.
The IDF had earlier reported that its aircraft targeted a “key terrorist” in al-Rimal on Saturday, prompting speculation in Israeli media that Obeida was the intended target. Hamas, however, has not confirmed his death, leaving uncertainty about the operation’s outcome. Meanwhile, the Palestinian group claimed that dozens of civilians, including children, were killed or injured in strikes on a residential building in the same district.
A High-Profile Operation
The strike was a joint effort by the IDF and Shin Bet, relying on intelligence gathered over time to pinpoint Obeida’s location. According to a statement from the two agencies, the operation targeted a flat in a six-storey building, previously used as a dentist’s surgery.
Five missiles hit the second and third floors simultaneously, launched from two directions to ensure precision. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with hundreds of thousands of dollars reportedly scattered in the air after the strike. Local residents looted the cash, though Hamas later recovered much of it.
Abu Obeida, believed to be around 40 years old, was one of the few remaining senior members of Hamas’s military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, from before the group’s deadly attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.
Known for his masked appearances draped in a Palestinian scarf, Obeida was a prominent figure, delivering fiery speeches against Israel. His rhetoric made him a hero among Hamas supporters across the Middle East.
The Human Cost in Gaza
The strikes in al-Rimal caused significant civilian casualties, according to local reports. Journalists on the ground stated that at least seven people were killed and 20 others injured, with children among the victims.
Mohammed Emad, a barbershop owner just 100 meters from the strike site, described the terrifying aftermath. “The blasts were so loud, I couldn’t move for over an hour,” he told reporters. “I saw children covered in blood, and people were running in every direction like the world was ending.”
Footage verified by journalists captured the panic in al-Rimal’s streets. Residents fled in terror as blood flowed from a covered body, and a man was seen carrying an injured child to safety.
The IDF insisted it took steps to minimize civilian harm, including using precision weapons and aerial surveillance. However, the high civilian toll has raised questions about the operation’s impact on Gaza’s already suffering population.
Hamas’s Propaganda Voice Silenced
Obeida was a key figure in Hamas’s communication strategy, often acting as the public face of the group’s military wing. His speeches, filled with anti-Israel rhetoric, were widely circulated among supporters.
In what may have been his final address on Friday, he warned that Israeli hostages in Gaza would face the same fate as Hamas fighters if Israel proceeded with its planned invasion of Gaza City. His death marks a significant blow to Hamas’s ability to rally its base through public messaging.
Israel’s Defence Minister Katz vowed to continue targeting Hamas leaders, calling Obeida’s associates “criminal partners.” He linked the strike to a broader Israeli plan to intensify its campaign in Gaza, including a recently approved strategy to seize control of Gaza City. The plan has drawn international criticism, with the United Nations warning of “catastrophic consequences” for both Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages.
Gaza City Under Siege
Israel’s military operation in Gaza began after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 others taken hostage. Since then, the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reports that over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Gaza City, home to nearly a million people, has been repeatedly targeted. The apartment building struck on Saturday had already been hit in a previous Israeli raid months earlier, according to a local resident.
The Israeli military plans to evacuate Gaza City’s entire population to shelters in the south before launching a ground offensive. Most of Gaza’s residents have already been displaced multiple times during the 22-month conflict. With over 90% of the city’s homes damaged or destroyed, and essential services like healthcare and sanitation collapsed, the humanitarian situation is dire.
International Concerns Mount
Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed to defeat Hamas, despite global criticism of his plans to escalate the war. The UK’s ambassador to Israel called the proposed takeover of Gaza City “a huge mistake,” echoing warnings from the UN. The international community fears that a full-scale offensive could worsen the already catastrophic conditions for civilians and complicate efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages.
The IDF maintains that its operations are necessary to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure. However, the high civilian death toll and widespread destruction have fueled calls for a ceasefire. The lack of independent verification of claims from both the IDF and Hamas adds to the complexity of the situation, leaving many questions unanswered about the true impact of the strikes.
A City on Edge
For residents of Gaza City, the latest strikes are a grim reminder of the ongoing conflict’s toll. The al-Rimal neighbourhood, once a bustling area, now bears the scars of repeated attacks. Locals like Mohammed Emad are left grappling with fear and uncertainty. “I can’t believe I’m still alive,” he said, his voice reflecting the trauma of living under constant threat.
As Israel prepares for its next phase of operations, the international community continues to urge restraint. The death of Abu Obeida may weaken Hamas’s propaganda efforts, but it also risks escalating tensions in an already volatile region. For now, Gaza City remains a focal point of a conflict with no end in sight, as civilians bear the brunt of the violence.
