Hamas Confirms Martyrdom of Abu Obaida, Icon of Resistance in Gaza
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Hamas confirmed on Monday the martyrdom of Abu Obaida, the former spokesperson of its military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades. The movement stated that the senior commander was killed in a ‘cowardly and treacherous’ Israeli airstrike in Gaza while standing firm against the enemy. Abu Obaida, whose real name was revealed as Hudhayfah Samir Al-Kahlout, played a pivotal role in the Al-Aqsa Storm operation, a significant chapter in Palestinian resistance history.
Hamas warned the Zionist enemy that the assassination of its leaders and symbols would only strengthen the resolve of the Palestinian people. The movement emphasized that such crimes reinforce their commitment to defending their land and holy sites. Abu Obaida’s martyrdom marks a significant loss for Hamas, but the group vowed to return stronger and more united.
Abu Obaida, born in the village of Naliya in occupied Palestine, was displaced during the 1948 Nakba and later settled in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. Over the years, he survived multiple assassination attempts by Israeli forces, including during the 2008, 2012, and 2014 wars on Gaza. Despite the constant threats, he continued his education, earning a master’s degree in 2013 from the Islamic University of Gaza.
Political analyst Iyad Al-Qara described Abu Obaida as a balanced and secretive figure whose psychological warfare tactics targeted both the Israeli military and society. His distinctive appearance, including military attire and a red keffiyeh, made him a unique symbol of resistance. Abu Obaida’s eloquence in Arabic and his media presence turned him into a formidable figure in the propaganda battle against Israel.
Following the October 7, 2023, operation, Abu Obaida revealed that the planning for the attack had begun in 2021, involving around 4,500 Hamas members. He also criticized Arab leaders for their failure to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Zionist regime viewed Abu Obaida as a highly influential figure, with his speeches closely monitored by Israeli intelligence and the public.
In April 2024, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Abu Obaida, labeling him as Hamas’s ‘cyber warfare commander.’ Despite his martyrdom, his legacy as a symbol of resistance endures.
