The al-Qassam Brigades confirmed the death of its long-time spokesman Abu Obeida and named Hudhayfah Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout as his real identity. The group unveiled a new masked spokesperson and said several other senior commanders were killed. The new spokesman reiterated commitment to the existing ceasefire while rejecting calls to disarm. The Palestinian health ministry reports the conflict death toll since October 7, 2023, at 71,266.
Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades Confirm Death Of Spokesman Abu Obeida, Reveal New Masked Spokesperson
The slain spokesperson for Hamas' military wing the al-Qassam Brigades, known as Abu Obeida, [Al Jazeera/Screengrab]
The al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, has for the first time officially confirmed the death of its long-time spokesperson known as Abu Obeida and announced a new masked spokesman in a video statement released on Monday.
The newly introduced speaker said Abu Obeida’s real name is Hudhayfah Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout and declared the movement would carry on his role as the group’s public voice.
“We announce with pride the martyrdom of the great leader … Abu Obeida. We have inherited his title.”
The al-Qassam statement also named several other senior commanders as killed, including Mohammed Shabanah, head of the Rafah Brigade, plus Hakam al-Issa and Raed Saad. It reiterated that Mohammed Sinwar — who the Israeli military said it had killed in May — had served as the brigades’ chief of staff after the reported death of veteran commander Mohammed Deif.
The video addressed the wider political context, with the new spokesman saying the group remains committed to the ceasefire that came into effect more than two months ago while accusing Israel of repeated violations. He rejected calls for disarmament and said the group retains the right to respond to breaches of the truce.
“Our people defend themselves and will not give up their weapons as long as the occupation remains. We will not surrender, even if we have to fight with our fingernails.”
Abu Obeida had been a prominent voice for Hamas, regularly issuing battlefield updates and statements on alleged ceasefire breaches and negotiations over captives and prisoners during a short-lived truce earlier this year. His last statement came in early September as Israeli forces initiated a new offensive in parts of Gaza City.
Casualty figures cited by the Palestinian health ministry were included in the brigades’ statement: since the ceasefire on October 11, the ministry says at least 414 Palestinians have been killed and 1,145 wounded, with 680 bodies recovered. It added that, since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, the overall toll stands at 71,266 dead and 171,222 injured. These figures are attributed to the Palestinian health ministry and have not been independently verified in this report.
Note on reporting: Several names and deaths cited by various parties remain contested in international reporting. Where possible, this article attributes claims to the parties that made them (the al-Qassam Brigades, the Israeli military, and the Palestinian health ministry).
