Israel claims killing Hamas spokesperson as Gaza offensive intensifies

The Israeli military announced Sunday it had killed Abu Obeida, the long-serving spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, as its offensive escalates in some of Gaza’s most densely populated areas. 

The claim comes amid mounting civilian casualties and growing public pressure in Israel over the fate of remaining hostages.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant identified the spokesperson — known publicly as Abu Obeida — as Hudahaifa Kahlout, saying he was eliminated over the weekend. Hamas has not confirmed or commented on the claim. According to the Israeli military, Kahlout was responsible for the release of videos featuring hostages and footage of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that left around 1,200 people dead and 251 abducted.

Abu Obeida's final public statement was issued Friday, just as Israeli forces began their renewed assault on Gaza City. In it, he warned that hostages held in combat zones could disappear, even as Hamas claimed it would try to protect those still alive.

No ceasefire talks

As the Israeli security cabinet met Sunday, an official confirmed that ceasefire negotiations were not on the agenda, despite intense protests from families of the hostages.

“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, whose son Matan is among those still held captive.

Fewer than 50 hostages remain in Gaza, and Israel estimates that about 20 may still be alive.

Civilian deaths mount in Gaza

At least 43 Palestinians have been killed since Saturday, according to local hospitals, with the majority of casualties reported in Gaza City. Shifa Hospital said its morgue received 29 bodies, including 10 people killed while trying to access humanitarian aid.

Witnesses described scenes of chaos and bloodshed in the Netzarim Corridor, a military-controlled zone that cuts through Gaza. Civilians were reportedly shot while seeking food.

“We were trying to get food, but we were met with the occupation’s bullets,” said Ragheb Abu Lebda. “It’s a death trap.”

Seven others were killed by Israeli strikes or gunfire while approaching aid convoys, according to Al-Awda Hospital.

The United Nations has previously warned of extreme desperation among Gaza’s population. Civilians have been shot or crushed during looting incidents, and UN humanitarian convoys have struggled to distribute aid due to lawlessness and overwhelming demand.

Israel’s military has not commented on the most recent casualties.

Starvation, exhaustion, and displacement

More than 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced at least once during the war, with many families forced to flee repeatedly. Israel has urged civilians to evacuate Gaza City, but many say they are either too exhausted or fear that no place in the enclave is truly safe.

In Rimal, a district in Gaza City, Palestinians were seen picking through rubble and debris after new airstrikes. A child pulled a cart loaded with plastic jugs over shattered concrete, a scene emblematic of the daily struggle for survival.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that seven more adults died from malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 215 adult deaths and 124 child deaths linked to starvation and lack of medical care since the war began.

Israel has indicated it will reduce aid access to Gaza City, while simultaneously investing in infrastructure in the south — moves Palestinians interpret as a form of forced displacement.

International efforts and rising toll

A flotilla carrying humanitarian aid and international activists departed from Barcelona on Sunday in the largest recent effort to break Israel’s naval blockade on Gaza. Similar missions in the past have been intercepted or turned back.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry — whose figures are regarded as credible by the UN and international observers — at least 63,371 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians but estimates that around half of the dead are women and children.

Israel disputes these figures but has not provided its own detailed casualty count.

As the conflict continues, international pressure is building on both sides. However, the latest developments suggest little sign of a pause — and growing uncertainty about how much further the war could escalate.

SR