VIDEO: Abu Obaida issues first statement in over four months

Abu Obaida, spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, appeared in a newly released video on Friday, marking his first public statement since March 6, 2025.

In the video, he said four months had passed since the “Israeli” military resumed its aggression on Gaza, accusing “Israel” of betraying the terms of a previously agreed deal with the resistance.

He said that 'Israel' violated the truce and overturned commitments made during negotiations, leading to a renewed escalation in the aggression, in reference to "Israel's" surprise attack on Gaza in March during a declared ceasefire between the two parties.

Abu Obaida said Al-Qassam fighters have killed or wounded hundreds of “Israeli” soldiers in recent months, while thousands more have reportedly suffered psychological trauma and shock. He added that the resistance has introduced new tactics and methods, drawing lessons from what he described as the longest war in the history of the Palestinian people.

Read more: VIDEO: Suicides in “Israeli” military: Haaretz report reveals rising trend in 2025

He revealed that fighters have attempted several operations in recent weeks aimed at capturing “Israeli” soldiers. Capturing soldiers has been a long-standing goal for the group, often used to negotiate prisoner exchanges.

Abu Obaida described Gaza’s armed resistance as “the greatest military school for a people resisting occupation in modern history,” affirming that they remain fully prepared to continue a prolonged war of attrition against the occupation, regardless of the form or strategy of future assaults.

He said the current strategy of Al-Qassam’s leadership is to inflict maximum losses on “Israeli” forces, carry out high-impact operations, and pursue the capture of soldiers.

In a regional message, he strongly criticized Arab leaders for their silence, saying: “The enemy would not have committed genocide in full view of the nation’s leaders unless it was assured of impunity, guaranteed silence, and bought betrayal.”

He stressed that no one was exempt from the responsibility of the bloodshed: “We do not absolve anyone. Everyone who can act, according to their ability and influence, must do so.”

He also praised Yemen’s Ansar Allah (Houthis), calling them “truthful brothers” who forced the enemy to face a new front and “exposed the cowardice of those who remain passive.”

Abu Obaida extended his thanks to “all the free people around the world” who have shown solidarity and attempted to break the siege on Gaza despite risks.

He reiterated support for the Palestinian negotiating delegation in indirect talks with “Israel,” stating that Hamas had offered a comprehensive deal to release all enemy captives at once.

“War criminal Netanyahu and his ministers rejected our offer. It became clear they are not interested in the fate of their soldiers,” he said, accusing the 'Israeli' leadership of preparing the public for the possibility that all prisoners might be dead.

He concluded by expressing hope that the ongoing negotiations would lead to a deal ensuring an end to what he called a “genocidal war,” the withdrawal of occupying forces, and urgent humanitarian relief for Gaza.