A Palestinian Arab source has confirmed that Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for the Hamas armed wing, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Rimal neighborhood of western Gaza. Abu Obaida, whose real name is Hudayfa Samir Abdallah al-Kahlout, was known for his masked television appearances and statements. His death was verified by his family and leaders of the Izz a-Din al-Qassam Brigades after they examined his body. Israeli officials stated that intelligence on his location was obtained shortly before the strike, and emphasized that the operation would not have proceeded if hostages had been present in the area.