Hamas’s armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, has officially confirmed the deaths of its longtime spokesman Abu Obeida and former Gaza leader Mohammed Sinwar in Israeli military operations earlier this year, while introducing a new masked spokesperson who has inherited the title, according to a video statement released on December 29, 2025, as compiled by Tahir Rihat from reports by Al Jazeera and Reuters.
In the video posted on Telegram, the new spokesman, also using the nom de guerre Abu Obeida, announced the martyrdom of Hudhaifa Samir Abdallah al-Kahlout—the real name of the previous Abu Obeida—who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City in August 2025. The statement paid tribute to him as the “masked man loved by millions” who served as the voice of the Qassam Brigades for over two decades.
The announcement also confirmed the death of Mohammed Sinwar, brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and a senior commander who briefly led the group’s military efforts after Mohammed Deif’s killing. Israeli forces had claimed his elimination in a May 2025 strike under the European Hospital in Khan Younis.
The video mourned several other high-ranking figures, including Rafah Brigade commander Mohammed Shabanah (killed in May), senior officer Hakam al-Issa (June), and second-in-command Raed Saad (December). These losses add to a series of top Hamas leaders eliminated since the escalation of the conflict, including Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh.
The successor, appearing masked in military fatigues, vowed continued resistance, stating the group would not disarm while facing occupation. This marks a symbolic continuity, with the title “Abu Obeida” passed on to maintain the iconic role in Hamas communications.
The confirmations come amid ongoing hostilities in Gaza, with international bodies like the United Nations and the International Court of Justice examining allegations related to the war. Israel had previously announced these eliminations, but Hamas delayed official acknowledgment until now. Based on verified sources reviewed by Tahir Rihat, the development signals resilience in Hamas’s structure despite significant setbacks.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
