DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip. The Israeli military announced Sunday that it killed the longtime spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing as the country’s security cabinet met to discuss expanding operations in some of Gaza’s most populated areas.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz identified the spokesperson as Abu Obeida, the nom de guerre of the Hamas Qassam Brigades representative, who was killed over the weekend. Hamas has not yet commented on the claim.
Abu Obeida’s last statement, issued Friday as Israel began the initial stages of its offensive and declared Gaza City a combat zone, said militants would try to protect living hostages but warned that they would remain in areas of fighting. He added that the remains of dead hostages would “disappear forever.”
The Israeli military said the spokesperson, also identified as Hudahaifa Kahlout, had been behind the release of videos showing hostages and footage of the Hamas-led attack that triggered the conflict. Israel reiterated its threat against remaining Hamas leaders abroad.
Israel has targeted numerous Hamas military and political leaders as it seeks to dismantle the group and prevent attacks similar to the October 7, 2023 assault, when militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 others in southern Israel.
Fewer than 50 hostages remain in Gaza, and Israeli officials believe about 20 are still alive. Families protested outside the security cabinet meeting, criticizing the government for not discussing a ceasefire. “It is our side that is unwilling to sign a comprehensive deal and is unwilling to end the war and is deciding to sacrifice my child while he is still alive,” said Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker.
At least 43 Palestinians were reported killed since Saturday, mostly in Gaza City, according to local hospitals. Shifa Hospital, the territory’s largest, said 29 bodies were brought to its morgue, including 10 people killed while seeking aid. Hospital officials reported 11 additional fatalities from strikes and gunfire. Al-Awda Hospital said seven civilians died while trying to reach humanitarian assistance.
Witnesses said Israeli troops opened fire on crowds in the Netzarim Corridor, an Israeli military zone bisecting Gaza. “We were trying to get food, but we were met with the occupation’s bullets. It’s a death trap,” said Ragheb Abu Lebda, who saw at least three people wounded.
Civilians have also been killed as United Nations humanitarian convoys face overcrowding, looting, and gunfire. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation reported no incident at its sites on Sunday. Israel’s military did not respond to questions about casualties.
Israel has intensified air strikes on coastal areas of Gaza City, including Rimal, where smoke rose over the city and residents sifted through rubble. The military urged hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to move south, but many remain in place due to exhaustion or doubts about safety. The U.N. reports more than 90% of Gaza’s over 2 million residents have been displaced at least once during the war.
Aid to Gaza City is expected to be reduced, while new infrastructure projects in southern Gaza have raised concerns about forced displacement. Seven more Palestinian adults died from malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, bringing the total adult malnutrition deaths since June to 215. The death toll of children from malnutrition reached 124.
In the largest effort yet to break the Israeli blockade by sea, a flotilla departed Barcelona for Gaza carrying humanitarian aid and activists.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 63,371 Palestinians have died during the war, with roughly half being women and children. The ministry is run by Hamas and considered the most reliable source for casualty figures, though Israel disputes the numbers.
