Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has confirmed that Abu Ubaida, the longtime spokesperson of Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed in an airstrike in Gaza on Saturday.
While Israeli officials had earlier expressed optimism over his death, this was the first official confirmation. The report was carried by the Times of Israel on Sunday.
In a social media post, Katz wrote that Abu Ubaida had been sent “to the depths of hell, to join members of the axis of destruction from Iran, Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen.” He added that as Israel’s operation in Gaza advances, “many more Hamas terrorists and criminals will join him there.”
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had said Abu Ubaida was targeted in the strike but could not confirm whether he had been killed. Hamas quickly rejected Israel’s claim, calling it part of a “psychological war.” The group warned Palestinians that such reports were intended to weaken public trust and unity.
Abu Ubaida, whose real name was Hudaifa Samir Abdullah al-Khalut, had served as spokesman of the Al-Qassam Brigades since 2004. He rose to prominence in 2006 after announcing the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Over the years, he became a symbolic figure in Gaza and across parts of the Arab world.
His final recorded statement was released on Friday night, warning that Israeli attacks on Gaza City would put hostages at equal risk.
Saturday night’s airstrike struck an apartment in Gaza City. Local sources said at least 11 people were killed alongside Abu Ubaida, including women and children. According to Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV, citing a Palestinian source, family members and Hamas officials later identified the bodies.
The Israeli military said precision weapons were used to minimise civilian casualties and that the operation had specifically targeted Abu Ubaida.
