Hamas’ Military Wing Reveals Abu Obeida’s Identity

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, announced the deaths of several senior commanders and disclosed the identity of its long-time spokesperson, known publicly as Abu Obeida. According to the statement, Abu Obeida is Hudhayfa al-Kahlout, who the group said has overseen its media operations for nearly two decades.

Al-Qassam confirmed that a number of prominent military figures were killed in recent Israeli operations, including Raed Saad, who was reportedly assassinated recently, as well as Mohammed Sinwar, a former commander of Hamas’ military wing. The group also announced the death of Mohammed Shabana, the commander of the Rafah Brigade, stating that he was killed alongside Mohammed Sinwar in a tunnel in Khan Younis.

In a statement attributed to the group’s spokesperson, Al-Qassam said the ceasefire in Gaza and the halt in large-scale fighting came after sustained hostilities, claiming that the agreement followed what it described as the resilience of Palestinians and continued resistance operations. The statement alleged that violations continued after the fighting stopped, while asserting that the group had adhered to its commitments under the ceasefire arrangements.

The spokesperson added that Palestinians retain the right to respond to Israeli actions and called on mediators and relevant parties to pressure Israel to comply with the terms of the agreement that was reached.