Hamas’s armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, announced on December 29, 2025, the death of its longtime spokesperson Abu Obaida, whose real name was Hudhayfa (Huthaifa) Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout. The announcement described him as having been killed alongside several senior figures of the group.
According to the statement, those reported dead include Mohammed Sinwar, the brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, along with other high-ranking commanders. The group referred to the deaths as “martyrdom,” a term it commonly uses for members killed in conflict.
The announcement has drawn significant international attention, as Abu Obaida was one of the most recognizable voices of Hamas, frequently delivering public statements during major escalations. No independent confirmation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths has yet been provided.
