Ghaza ( The COW News Digital)The Israeli military has released a video and photograph claiming to confirm the killing of Hamas spokesman Abu Ubaida, whose death was announced last week during a military operation in Gaza.
According to Arab media, the image released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) allegedly shows Abu Ubaida, identified as Huzaifa al-Kahlout, alongside senior Hamas leaders Mohammed Deif, the commander of Hamas’ military wing, and Rafa Salama, commander of the Khan Younis Brigade. The Israeli military insists the photograph and video provide visual evidence of their strike targeting a Hamas facility where Abu Ubaida was reportedly present.
The IDF’s Arabic-language spokesman, Avichay Adraee, said in a statement that although Abu Ubaida always appeared in videos wearing a mask, “he could not escape our sight.” He further claimed that Israeli intelligence tracked the Hamas leader’s movements for weeks before striking the location.
The released video reportedly depicts the bombardment of a Hamas hideout, which the IDF says was being used as a meeting point for top commanders. The footage has been widely circulated across regional and international media platforms.
Last week, the Israeli military declared that Abu Ubaida had been killed in Gaza during what they described as a precision strike. Hamas, however, has not confirmed his death, and no independent verification has been provided so far. The development has sparked debate among analysts and observers, with many questioning the timing of the release and the lack of verifiable proof beyond Israeli military claims.
Abu Ubaida had served as the masked spokesperson of Hamas’ military wing, al-Qassam Brigades, for years, gaining symbolic status among Palestinians. His masked addresses became a hallmark of Hamas propaganda videos, where he delivered warnings and announcements about the group’s operations against Israel.
The IDF’s new claims come amid ongoing Israeli strikes on Gaza, which have left thousands dead and injured in the latest round of violence. Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies continue to warn of a worsening crisis in the besieged enclave, with shortages of medical supplies, food, and clean water.
As both sides remain locked in conflict, the alleged killing of Abu Ubaida, if verified, would mark a significant blow to Hamas’ leadership structure. However, in the absence of independent confirmation, the announcement remains part of Israel’s ongoing psychological and media warfare in its confrontation with Hamas.
