Picture courtesy of BBC | PA Media

 

Abu Obeida, Hamas's vocal figurehead, reportedly met his end in a dramatic Israeli aerial strike in Gaza City, according to Israeli sources. The declaration followed an outpouring of praise from Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, who applauded the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet for their "flawless execution" in a post on X. Yet, Hamas has not confirmed the death, which they attribute to an airstrike that decimated a residential building in Gaza City's al-Rimal district.

 

Local reports reveal that the strike, which landed on Saturday, left at least seven dead and 20 injured, including children. The attack takes place amid a barrage of strikes on Gaza City, preceding an anticipated Israeli ground offensive. In a warning on Sunday, Katz hinted at more to come for Obeida's "criminal partners" as the operation intensifies.

 

In a joint statement, the IDF and Shin Bet explained that the operation stemmed from intelligence gathered by Shin Bet and the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate, pinpointing Obeida's location.

 

Known for his masked pronouncements on behalf of Hamas's military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, Obeida was a revered figure among supporters. Always hidden behind a Palestinian scarf, his fiery speeches rallied many, though his final one on Friday ominously warned Israel regarding its impending invasion.

 

Eyewitness Mohammed Emad, just 100m from the strike, recounted scenes of chaos and horror, describing the "terrifying" blasts and the wounded children’s cries. Verified footage shows frantic civilians and a bloodstained scene, capturing the grim reality of life under siege. Israel affirms that extensive precautions were taken to minimise civilian harm, leveraging precision weaponry and keen intelligence.

 

As the dust settles, broader conflict looms with Israeli plans to capture Gaza City, seeking an end to a conflict now spanning 22 months. Officials contend that complete military control could spell disaster for Palestinian civilians and hostages. Meanwhile, Netanyahu remains resolute in his call to action against Hamas, reported the BBC.

 

The military campaign stems from Hamas's ruthless assault on 7 October, accounting for around 1,200 Israeli fatalities and over 250 kidnappings. In stark contrast, over 63,000 Palestinians reportedly died, per Hamas health figures. Despite yet-to-begin ground operations, Gaza City continues to endure unyielding Israeli attacks, compounding a devastating humanitarian crisis. Unverified claims linger amidst ongoing devastation as the eyes of the world watch intently.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-09-01

 

 

On 9/1/2025 at 6:40 AM, webfact said:

The military campaign stems from Hamas's ruthless assault on 7 October, accounting for around 1,200 Israeli fatalities and over 250 kidnappings. In stark contrast, over 63,000 Palestinians reportedly died, per Hamas health figures.

 

On 7th October 2023 Palestinians invaded Israel, accounting for around 1,200 Israeli fatalities in less than a day.

In stark contrast, in roughly 700 days of war, a daily average of only 90 Palestinians have reportedly died, per Hamas health figures.

32 minutes ago, loong said:

 

On 7th October 2023 Palestinians invaded Israel, accounting for around 1,200 Israeli fatalities in less than a day.

In stark contrast, in roughly 700 days of war, a daily average of only 90 Palestinians have reportedly died, per Hamas health figures.

Dig deeper , and it’s clear Oct 7 was a bibi planned and sponsored attack on his own people. No way Hamas just “ surprised “ Israel and were left unchecked for 6 house at the worlds most secure border, with the best intelligence! Believe it was a surprise attack and I’ve got a Sydney harbor bridge for sale …. 

Y'all crack me.   Who cares about who and how man died 7 Oct, or the past 700 days ?   Only the friends and family of those killed or injured or left homeless.

 

Why isn't this in the news everyday.   1000 kids under 5 yrs old, die every day, simply because they don't have clean water to drink.  How easy would that be to solve ???

 

From UNICEF ...

 

1 minute ago, zepplin said:

Dig deeper , and it’s clear Oct 7 was a bibi planned and sponsored attack on his own people. No way Hamas just “ surprised “ Israel and were left unchecked for 6 house at the worlds most secure border, with the best intelligence! Believe it was a surprise attack and I’ve got a Sydney harbor bridge for sale …. 

 

   You are claiming that Israel carried out the Oct 7 th terror attack ?

BTW , it was never claimed to have been the Worlds most secure border 

On 8/31/2025 at 7:40 PM, webfact said:

Abu Obeida, Hamas's vocal figurehead, reportedly met his end in a dramatic Israeli aerial strike in Gaza City, according to Israeli sources

Release the hostages, surrender or die.

23 hours ago, zepplin said:

Dig deeper , and it’s clear Oct 7 was a bibi planned and sponsored attack on his own people. No way Hamas just “ surprised “ Israel and were left unchecked for 6 house at the worlds most secure border, with the best intelligence! Believe it was a surprise attack and I’ve got a Sydney harbor bridge for sale …. 

 

I suppose that the IDF also rounded up 250 hostages and handed them over to the Palestinians.

 

 

23 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   You are claiming that Israel carried out the Oct 7 th terror attack ?

BTW , it was never claimed to have been the Worlds most secure border 

 

It absolutely wasn't the most secure border. Not a patch on Egypt's border with Gaza!