FLASH
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The targeted attack targeted the symbolic figure of Hamas propaganda and the hostage release show, always hidden behind a white and red keffiyeh...
An Israeli airstrike hit a residential building in the western part of Gaza City yesterday, targeting one of the most well-known and at the same time most enigmatic figures of Hamas' military leadership: Abu Obeida, the historic spokesman for the al-Qassam Brigades.
The operation, carried out by Israeli forces with the support of the Shin Bet security service, used precision munitions and aerial surveillance in an effort to minimize civilian casualties. However, according to reports from Gaza, at least eleven people, including several children, were killed in the bombing.
A Palestinian source told Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels today that Obeida was dead and confirmed that Israel had struck a house where he was staying, killing everyone in the building.
According to the same source, family and brigade leaders confirmed Obeida's killing after identifying his body. An Israeli spokesman had stated the day before that "a key Hamas leader was targeted in Gaza."
Tel Aviv has not officially confirmed the identity of the target, but some local media and security sources have reported that it was the enigmatic spokesman. Israeli sources have spoken of “cautious optimism” about the outcome of the operation, while Hamas has denied the news of the assassination, calling it a campaign of “psychological warfare” to weaken the movement.
Obeida, a symbolic figure in Hamas's military propaganda, built his image on mystery. He always appeared in public with his face covered by a red and white keffiyeh, evoking the figure of the fighter Emad Aqil, killed in 1993 and turned into a martyr. He took the name of the battle from a companion of the prophet Muhammad, while his true identity has long remained unknown. According to some sources, he was born in Jabalia. Involved in the al-Qassam Brigades from a young age, since 2002 he has been involved in drafting official communiqués. His big moment came in 2006, when he announced the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Since then, he has become the official voice of the armed movement, with short, direct messages designed to strengthen the narrative of "resistance".
Beyond his propaganda role, biographers have also attributed to him an academic profile: in 2013 he would have received a degree in Theology. In recent years, through a unit called “Ombra”, he has supervised the management of Israeli hostages. They are dedicated to sensational releases accompanied by uniformed guerrillas, prepared scenographies, official documents, seals and a continuous production of videos. His messages accompanied the most tense moments of the conflict: calls from hostages from the tunnels, forced statements, images of sick or dying prisoners. A whole media arsenal to increase political and psychological pressure.
As the Israeli military operations progressed, Obeida reduced his public appearances. After nearly four months of silence, he returned with a message in July and last Friday gave another statement to Al Jazeera, in which he warned that the possible occupation of Gaza City would be “a political and military catastrophe for Israel.” Just hours after these words, Israeli aircraft struck the building where, according to the security services, he was staying.
How much Hamas might be weakened by this defeat, if Obeida's killing is confirmed, remains unclear. / Adapted from "Il Giornale"
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