Daijiworld Media Network – Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv, Sep 5: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday released video footage confirming the killing of Hudhaifa Kahlout, better known by his nom de guerre Abu Obayda, the long-time spokesman of Hamas’s military wing and the head of its propaganda operations.

According to the IDF, Abu Obayda was eliminated on August 30 in a joint IDF-Shin Bet operation. For years, he had been the masked face of Hamas, orchestrating propaganda and psychological campaigns, including the release of videos of Israeli hostages.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz hailed the strike, calling it a “flawless execution” and congratulating the IDF and Shin Bet teams for their coordinated effort.

Reports suggest that during the ongoing conflict, Abu Obayda was responsible for distributing cameras to document the October 7 massacre and leading Hamas’s media strategy.

Alongside the video, the IDF also shared a rare photograph showing Abu Obayda with senior Hamas leaders – Muhammad Deif (former military chief), Rafa’a Salameh (Khan Younis Brigade chief), and Muhammad Odeh (intelligence chief) – all of whom have since been killed in separate Israeli strikes.

The killing of Abu Obayda is seen as a major psychological blow to Hamas, depriving the militant group of its most recognisable voice.