Israel said Sunday it killed Hudayfa Samir Abdallah al-Kahlout, known as Abu Obeida, the longtime spokesman of Hamas’s military wing, in an airstrike on Gaza City.
The strike on Saturday reportedly hit a six-story apartment block in the al-Rimal neighborhood, with local media reporting at least seven dead and 20 injured.
According to unconfirmed reports, the target of the airstrike on the Rimal neighborhood in western Gaza City was Al Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida. pic.twitter.com/Dz2AToTh5p
— Ph.Gritti (@Philipp27960841) August 30, 2025
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Kahlout was among the last senior members of Hamas’ military wing still active since before Oct. 7, 2023.
“He led propaganda and psychological terror campaigns, spreading footage of abducted Israeli civilians and soldiers and atrocities of the October 7th Massacre,” the IDF said. “Additionally, he distributed incitement videos across the Arab world and among the Palestinian public encouraging them to commit similar acts of terrorism, and coordinating messaging across Hamas’ military wing.”
🔴ELIMINATED: Hudahaifa Kahlout “Abu Obaidah”, Head of Hamas’ Military Wing Propaganda Apparatus
Kahlout was one of the last remaining senior terrorists of Hamas’ Military Wing from before Oct. 7, 2023. He led propaganda and psychological terror campaigns, spreading footage of… https://t.co/5r4w1Wl2Px
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 31, 2025
In a post on X, Defense Minister Israel Katz congratulated the IDF and the Shin Bet security agency for what he called a ‘flawless execution.'”
Kahlout became Hamas’ most visible figure after announcing the 2006 kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. His final statement on Friday warned that the remaining Israeli hostages would share the same fate as Hamas fighters if Israel goes ahead with its plan to take control of Gaza City.
Hamas has not confirmed Kahlout’s death.
