THE ISRAEL Defense Forces (IDF) said it had killed Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida in an airstrike on Saturday in Gaza City, a claim that Hamas has not yet confirmed.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz praised the IDF and the Shin Bet for what he called the "precise execution" of the killing, warning that the campaign against Hamas affiliates would continue.
"More of Obeida's collaborators in the crimes will be targeted in the ongoing campaign in Gaza," Katz wrote on the X network.
However, Hamas has yet to issue a direct statement confirming the spokesman's death. Instead, the group reported that dozens of civilians were killed and injured following an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in the al-Rimal neighborhood of Gaza City.
According to journalists on the scene, at least seven people were killed and more than 20 wounded in the attack, including children.
The attack came as Israeli airstrikes intensified in Gaza, part of preparations for what Israel calls a major operation to seize control of Gaza City.
The IDF and Shin Bet said Saturday's strike was specifically aimed at killing Abu Obeida, explaining that it was the result of long-term intelligence surveillance.
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