(TASSAWAR NEWS) – An Israeli airstrike on Saturday reportedly targeted Abu Obeida, the long-time spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, according to Arab media.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it struck a senior Hamas official in Gaza City, but did not directly name him. Israeli media, however, claimed the intended target was Abu Obeida, who is widely recognized for appearing masked in public and in official video statements.
The IDF stated that before carrying out the strike against “key Hamas men,” it had taken measures to minimize civilian casualties. These steps included the use of precision-guided munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence gathering.
Despite these claims, Gaza’s civil defence agency, which is under Hamas control, reported that at least seven people were killed in the attack on a residential building in Gaza City’s Rimal district, once considered one of the area’s wealthier neighbourhoods. Authorities fear more victims may be trapped under the rubble.
The reports from both sides could not be independently verified. Meanwhile, Israel is pressing ahead with its offensive in Gaza City, with its ground forces spotted on the city’s outskirts on Friday.
Humanitarian agencies have warned that the civilian population remains at grave risk, as large-scale evacuation to southern Gaza is nearly impossible under current conditions.
