Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, Dec 29: Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, said on Monday that its long-time military spokesperson, known as Abu Obeida, was killed during the ongoing Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The announcement was delivered during a televised press conference by a newly appointed spokesperson who has adopted the same nom de guerre, Abu Obeida. Wearing the traditional attire associated with the role, he confirmed that the former spokesperson’s real name was Hudhaifa Samir Al-Kahlout, also known as Abu Ibrahim.
According to the statement, Abu Obeida “remained in close connection with his people during the most difficult moments.” The new spokesperson also said that several other senior figures of the group were killed, including former Hamas military leader Mohammed Sinwar, Xinhua news agency reported.
Abu Obeida had been appointed as the official spokesperson of the Al-Qassam Brigades in 2005 and became a prominent figure a year later after announcing the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. He later emerged as a key voice during successive Israeli military operations in Gaza, particularly during the 2014 conflict.
Sources within Hamas said his last recorded statement was issued on July 18 and that he was killed in an Israeli airstrike on August 30. A day later, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz publicly stated that Abu Obeida had been eliminated in a strike in Gaza.
Separately, Israel announced a major development in its defence capabilities. The Israeli Defence Ministry said on Sunday that the military had received its first operational high-power laser air-defence system, describing it as a significant step forward in the country’s layered defence architecture.
The system, known as Iron Beam, has been developed by the ministry’s research directorate in collaboration with defence firm Rafael. It is designed to counter short-range threats such as rockets, mortar rounds and unmanned aerial vehicles.
According to the ministry, Iron Beam will be integrated into the Israeli Air Force alongside existing systems, including Iron Dome, David’s Sling and the Arrow missile defence platforms.
Defence Minister Katz called the induction of the laser system a turning point, saying it had reached “operational maturity” following successful trials. He said the new capability sends a strong signal to Israel’s adversaries and marks a shift in the country’s defensive posture.