Who was Abu Obeida, Hamas's military spokesman?

One of Hamas's most important public figures, Abu Obeida, served as the military spokesman for the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the Palestinian group's military wing, for nearly two decades.

His profile increased dramatically since the Hamas-led surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, and the subsequent Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.

Best known for his speeches, during which he provided battlefield updates, Abu Obeida would often boast about Hamas's military achievements, and taunt Israel, which in return made several attempts to kill him.

For that reason, Abu Obeida's real identity was never revealed. However on 29 December, Hamas formally announced his death and said that his birth name was Huthaifa Samir al-Kahlout.

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