Israel Says Hamas Spokesman Abu Obeida Killed in Gaza Strikes
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced Sunday that Abu Obeida, the longtime spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing, was killed in Gaza over the weekend, though Hamas has not confirmed his death.
GAZA — Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced on Sunday that Abu Obeida, the longtime spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, was killed in Gaza over the weekend.
However, Hamas has not officially confirmed his death.
Obeida's last public statement came on Friday when Israel declared Gaza City a combat zone and began a new military offensive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier stated that Israel had struck Obeida but was unsure of the outcome.
The Israeli prime minister noted that there had been no comment from Hamas regarding this issue.
This announcement comes as part of Israel's ongoing campaign to dismantle the group's military leadership following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251.
ESCALATING TOLL IN GAZA CITY
At least 43 Palestinians were killed since Saturday, most in Gaza City, according to local hospitals.
Shifa Hospital reported receiving 29 bodies, including 10 individuals who were killed while seeking aid.
Al-Awda Hospital reported seven civilians who were killed while attempting to reach food distribution sites.
Witnesses have stated that Israeli troops opened fire on those seeking aid in the Netzarim Corridor, a military zone that bisects Gaza.
One displaced resident from Nuseirat named Ragheb Abu Lebda described the situation as a 'death trap,' highlighting the challenges faced by those trying to obtain basic necessities.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that at least 63,371 Palestinians have died during the war, with roughly half of them being women and children.
The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and employs medical professionals.
While the U.N. and independent experts consider it to be one of the most reliable sources on casualties, Israel disputes these figures and has not provided its own.
MALNUTRITION CRISIS DEEPENS
Seven Palestinians died from malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 215 adults and 124 children since October 2023.
Aid groups have warned that if access does not improve, famine declared in Gaza City could spread further south.
The U.N. reports that more than 90 percent of Gaza's 2.1 million people have been displaced at least once, with tens of thousands still sheltering in Gaza City despite repeated calls for evacuation.
Many individuals are too exhausted after multiple displacements or do not see safer alternatives.
Israel has indicated it could cut aid to Gaza City while pursuing infrastructure projects in the south, a move that Palestinians view as forced displacement.
However, Hamas has not officially confirmed his death.
Obeida's last public statement came on Friday when Israel declared Gaza City a combat zone and began a new military offensive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier stated that Israel had struck Obeida but was unsure of the outcome.
The Israeli prime minister noted that there had been no comment from Hamas regarding this issue.
This announcement comes as part of Israel's ongoing campaign to dismantle the group's military leadership following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251.
ESCALATING TOLL IN GAZA CITY
At least 43 Palestinians were killed since Saturday, most in Gaza City, according to local hospitals.
Shifa Hospital reported receiving 29 bodies, including 10 individuals who were killed while seeking aid.
Al-Awda Hospital reported seven civilians who were killed while attempting to reach food distribution sites.
Witnesses have stated that Israeli troops opened fire on those seeking aid in the Netzarim Corridor, a military zone that bisects Gaza.
One displaced resident from Nuseirat named Ragheb Abu Lebda described the situation as a 'death trap,' highlighting the challenges faced by those trying to obtain basic necessities.
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported that at least 63,371 Palestinians have died during the war, with roughly half of them being women and children.
The ministry is part of the Hamas-run government and employs medical professionals.
While the U.N. and independent experts consider it to be one of the most reliable sources on casualties, Israel disputes these figures and has not provided its own.
MALNUTRITION CRISIS DEEPENS
Seven Palestinians died from malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 215 adults and 124 children since October 2023.
Aid groups have warned that if access does not improve, famine declared in Gaza City could spread further south.
The U.N. reports that more than 90 percent of Gaza's 2.1 million people have been displaced at least once, with tens of thousands still sheltering in Gaza City despite repeated calls for evacuation.
Many individuals are too exhausted after multiple displacements or do not see safer alternatives.
Israel has indicated it could cut aid to Gaza City while pursuing infrastructure projects in the south, a move that Palestinians view as forced displacement.
