Hamas Confirms Death of Longtime Spokesman Abu Obaida; First Unmasked Photos Released

Hamas has confirmed the death of Abu Obaida, its longtime masked spokesperson, months after Israel’s claim. For the first time, his real identity as Hudhayfah Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout was revealed. A new spokesperson now inherits the title, continuing the role amid the ongoing Gaza ceasefire.

For nearly two decades, Abu Obaida served as the face of Hamas’s military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. Masked and known for his red keffiyeh, he delivered updates on operations, negotiations, and exchanges. His statements shaped media coverage during conflicts in Gaza.

On December 29, 2025, Hamas officially confirmed that Abu Obaida was killed in an Israeli airstrike on August 30, 2025. The strike targeted an apartment in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood. Several others, including civilians, died. Israel had announced his elimination on August 31, 2025, but Hamas remained silent until now.

Hamas also disclosed Abu Obaida’s real name: Hudhayfah Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout, born in 1985 in a Gaza refugee family. He was also known as Abu Ibrahim. Alongside him, the deaths of other senior leaders like Mohammed Sinwar, Muhammad Shabana, Raed Saad, and Hakam al-Issa were confirmed.

In the same announcement, Hamas introduced a new spokesperson adopting the nom de guerre Abu Obaida, continuing the symbolic role. The new figure, masked and wearing a red keffiyeh, addressed Gaza’s ceasefire and alleged Israeli violations while paying tribute to his predecessor.

The confirmation comes amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and before upcoming high-level talks involving U.S. and Israeli officials. Analysts note that the continuation of the Abu Obaida title signals Hamas’s intent to maintain media and operational consistency despite leadership losses.