Hamas confirms deaths of senior leaders, names new spokesperson

On December 29, Hamas acknowledged the deaths of several senior leaders, including its former military spokesperson, Abu Obeidah, in a statement issued by the group’s newly appointed military spokesperson.

Abu Obeidah, whose real name was Huthayfa Samir Abdallah al-Kahlout, served as the spokesperson for the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

He was killed in an Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) strike in Gaza City on August 31, 2025. While the IDF and Israel’s security agency, Shin Bet, had previously confirmed his death, Hamas had not publicly acknowledged it until now.

The group also confirmed the deaths of Mohammad Sinwar, Hakham Muhammad Issa al-Issa, Muhammed Shabana, and Ra'ad Sa'ad, all of whom were reportedly targeted by Israeli operations over the past year.

The new spokesperson announced that he has assumed the nom de guerre “Abu Obeidah,” meaning “father of the worshippers,” previously held by the late spokesman.

The announcement coincides with reports of a planned leadership election within Hamas, with Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal believed to be leading contenders for top positions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev