Abu Obeida, the spokesman for Hamas's armed wing, has been killed in an air strike in Gaza City, Israel has said.
Israeli's Defence Minister Israel Katz congratulated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel's security agency, Shin Bet, for the flawless execution in a post on social media.
He provided no details on the timing or exact location of the operation, although the IDF had stated earlier that its aircraft targeted a key terrorist in the al-Rimal neighborhood on Saturday, leading to reports in Israeli media that Obeida had been the intended target.
As of yet, Hamas has not confirmed the death of Obeida. The Palestinian group earlier indicated that many civilians were killed and injured due to Israeli airstrikes on residential buildings in the area.
Katz issued a statement on Sunday warning that many of Obeida's criminal partners would be targeted as part of an intensified offensive in Gaza.
Separately, the IDF and Shin Bet released more information regarding Saturday's attacks that aimed at the Hamas spokesman. They indicated that the operation was facilitated through prior intelligence that had pinpointed his location.
Five missiles struck the second and third floors of a six-story apartment building at once from two directions. The targeted unit had reportedly been employed as a dentist's office. Witnesses recounted seeing large sums of money flying into the air following the strike, with Hamas members later recovering stolen amounts.
Obeida was one of the last senior members of Hamas's armed wing following the deadly attack on October 7, 2023, that targeted southern Israel.
According to the joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet, Obeida served as the public face of the Hamas terrorist organization, disseminating propaganda on its behalf. Estimated to be around 40 years old, Obeida had delivered multiple speeches condemning Israel, becoming an idol among Hamas supporters.
In what may have been his last address, Obeida warned of severe consequences for Israeli hostages in response to Israel's planned invasion of Gaza City.
On the day of the airstrike, Hamas accused the IDF of striking a residential area in the densely populated al-Rimal neighborhood.
Local reports mentioned at least seven fatalities and 20 injuries from the strikes, including children. The IDF responded by stating extensive measures were taken to avoid civilian harm and insisted that precision weapons were used in the attacks.
While the IDF affirmed its commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at capturing Gaza City, UN officials have cautioned against military actions due to the potential catastrophic impact on Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in the pursuit of Hamas's defeat despite international criticism of his strategies.
