Palestinian and Israeli media circulated conflicting reports on Sunday, August 31, 2025, regarding the assassination of Abu Obaida, the official spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, in an Israeli airstrike targeting a residential building in the Al-Rimal neighborhood west of Gaza City on Saturday evening.

Israeli media sources, including Kan 11 channel and Ynet website, reported that the Israeli army and the Shin Bet security service carried out a precise strike targeting a “central figure” in Hamas, with estimates suggesting the target was Abu Obaida.

However, Hamas and the Al-Qassam Brigades have not officially confirmed his death, denouncing the rumors as an Israeli psychological warfare attempt.

A joint statement from the Israeli occupation army and Shin Bet said the operation was conducted using precision munitions and aerial reconnaissance to minimize civilian harm, but Palestinian sources confirmed the strike killed seven civilians and injured others in the densely populated Al-Rimal neighborhood, mostly women, children, and displaced persons.

Other strikes targeted two residential apartments and displaced persons’ tents in Al-Rimal and the Beach camp, resulting in 20 Palestinians killed and dozens injured.

Abu Obaida, known by this nom de guerre, was the spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades and represented Hamas on social media, appearing masked without revealing his identity. Israel has attempted to target him multiple times, most recently in May 2025 when he was presumed killed alongside leader Mohammed Al-Sinwar in Khan Younis, but he later appeared alive.

Palestinian sources reported to Al Arabiya and Al Hadath networks the death of Abu Obaida in the strike; a Palestinian source confirmed to Al Arabiya that members of Abu Obaida’s family and Al-Qassam leadership confirmed his death after inspecting the body. However, this information has not been officially verified, raising doubts about its accuracy, especially with Hamas denying it. Meanwhile, the Israeli army radio said an official announcement of Abu Obaida’s death is expected soon.

This airstrike is part of an intensified Israeli escalation on Gaza, coinciding with the army declaring the city a dangerous combat zone and urging residents to evacuate to the southern Al-Mawasi area, as part of Operation Gideon Vehicles 2.

In his last statement on the Telegram app before the strike, Abu Obaida warned that Israel’s plans to occupy Gaza would be disastrous for its leadership, affirming the resistance’s readiness to deliver harsh lessons. Abu Obaida’s fate remains uncertain as Israeli strikes continue, worsening the humanitarian crisis.