Abu Cubayda, the senior spokesperson of Hamas’ military wing, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, according to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel’s intelligence agency, Shin Bet. The strike comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have intensified following the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on southern Israel that resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 Israelis.
Operation Details and Israeli Statements
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly praised the operation, calling it a “precise and complete execution” by the IDF and Shin Bet. According to the Israeli military, Abu Cubayda was located through intelligence gathered over a period of time, which allowed targeted airstrikes on the building he was reportedly hiding in.
The targeted building was a six-story structure in the al-Rimal neighborhood, previously used as a dental clinic. Reports indicate that five missiles struck the second and third floors from multiple directions. Israeli officials described Abu Cubayda as “the public face of Hamas’ terrorist organization” responsible for spreading propaganda.
Hamas has not yet confirmed his death. Previously, Palestinian armed groups reported that dozens of civilians were killed or injured in airstrikes targeting residential areas, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian risk in Gaza.
Background on Abu Cubayda
Abu Cubayda, believed to be in his early 40s, was one of the last surviving senior military commanders of Hamas’ al-Qassam Brigades. He became widely known for his masked public appearances, where he wore a red headdress covering most of his face, leaving only his eyes visible—a symbol recognized across Hamas supporters in the Middle East.
He frequently delivered long speeches criticizing Israel and advocating for Hamas’ military operations. In his last speech on Friday, he warned Israeli captives that they would face the consequences determined by Hamas fighters and cautioned against the planned Israeli ground offensive in Gaza City.
Civilian Impact and Eyewitness Reports
Local resident Mohamed Cimaad, who lives about 100 meters from the strike site, told BBC:
“The explosions were terrifying. I couldn’t move for over an hour. I saw injured children with blood on their faces, and people were running in all directions as if the world had ended.”
BBC-verified footage shows panicked residents fleeing streets, with at least one injured child being carried away and a covered body visible on the ground.
Israeli officials stated that precautions were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including precision targeting, aerial surveillance, and intelligence verification. BBC cannot independently verify these claims.
Escalation in Gaza
The airstrike is part of a broader Israeli campaign in Gaza. In August, Israel’s security council approved a plan to capture Gaza City to end the 22-month-long conflict. The United Nations repeatedly warned that a full military occupation could result in “catastrophic consequences” for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages. The UK ambassador to Israel also described such a plan as a “major mistake.”
Since the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks, more than 63,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, while nearly one million residents live in Gaza City under constant threat from airstrikes.
Strategic Implications
The killing of Abu Cubayda is a significant blow to Hamas’ leadership. As a high-profile spokesperson, he played a key role in shaping Hamas’ public image and propaganda. Analysts suggest his death may temporarily disrupt Hamas’ communications but is unlikely to end its military operations.
Israel’s actions in Gaza, including targeted killings of Hamas leaders, reflect a broader strategy to weaken Hamas’ command structure and reduce its operational capabilities. However, the attacks also risk increasing civilian casualties and may fuel further tensions in the region.
Eyewitnesses and residents emphasize that airstrikes have intensified fear and uncertainty. Many families are trapped in high-density urban areas, and hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties, including children and women.
Humanitarian Concerns
UN agencies have repeatedly cautioned about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. International organizations stress the need for safe corridors for civilians, access to medical care, and protection for children. The ongoing airstrikes, combined with limited infrastructure, exacerbate the humanitarian disaster.
The Al-Rimal neighborhood, where Abu Cubayda was killed, had previously been targeted in airstrikes, highlighting the continuous danger for residents living in densely populated areas.
Conclusion
The death of Abu Cubayda marks a major escalation in the Israeli-Hamas conflict. While Israel presents it as a targeted counterterrorism success, the incident underscores the high human cost of military operations in Gaza. As both sides prepare for further confrontations, the civilian population faces unprecedented risk, and the potential for broader regional escalation remains high.
The situation continues to develop, and humanitarian agencies are calling for urgent international support to protect civilians and provide medical assistance.
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