The Israeli military announced Sunday that it has killed Abu Obeida, the longtime spokesperson for Hamas’ Qassam Brigades. Defense Minister Israel Katz identified him as Hudahaifa Kahlout, a senior Hamas figure who ran the group’s propaganda operations.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Kahlout—known publicly by his nom de guerre Abu Obeida—was “Head of Hamas’ Military Wing Propaganda Apparatus.” He was one of the few senior commanders left from before Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.
The IDF said Kahlout orchestrated psychological campaigns that included releasing videos of abducted Israeli civilians and soldiers, and spreading footage of atrocities from the October 7th Massacre. Officials described him as a central figure behind Hamas’ incitement messaging across the Arab world and among Palestinians.
“His propaganda operations encouraged further terror attacks and coordinated the group’s military messaging,” Israel Katz said in remarks following the announcement.
The strike on Kahlout comes less than 24 hours after the IDF confirmed that Ahmed Al-Rahawi, the Houthi Prime Minister, and other senior Houthi officials were killed in an Israeli strike in Sanaa, Yemen. The IDF said those officials were responsible for the Houthis’ military buildup and attacks targeting Israel.
The Israeli defense said it “will continue to target all threats against Israeli civilians.”
What’s next: Expert projects that the upcoming days are likely to see heightened tension in Gaza and Yemen, as both Hamas and Houthi supporters react to the targeted killings. Israel has signaled its campaign against leadership figures of hostile groups will intensify.
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