VIDEO: Abu Obaida: Injured, dead, or alive? Social media explodes

Amid rapid developments following the Gaza ceasefire, uncertainty has returned over the fate of Al-Qassam Brigades’ military spokesperson, Abu Obaida. His prolonged absence has sparked a storm of rumors and speculation across social media platforms.

Over the past 24 hours, the X platform (formerly Twitter) has seen a surge of Arabic posts exceeding 50,000 interactions. Reports have ranged from claims of “serious injury” following an assassination attempt to unconfirmed statements of his safety, turning Abu Obaida’s status into a heated topic and a psychological battleground online.

Rumors Surge: “Severely Injured” or “Confirmed Martyrdom”?

The rumors intensified on Tuesday evening, with posts claiming to convey a “message from an Al-Qassam leader” stating that Abu Obaida had sustained a “serious injury from an attack” but was “under specialized medical care and in stable condition,” adding that the assassination attempt had failed. These claims were widely circulated and accompanied by prayers for his recovery.

Meanwhile, other voices suggested that he may have been martyred, arguing that his weeks-long absence is the strongest indicator. Activists cautioned against falling for what they described as a “psychological warfare” tactic by 'Israel', urging the public to wait for an official statement.

Concern, Prayers, and Faith in the Resistance

The conflicting rumors have sparked widespread concern and prayers across Arab and Palestinian communities. X has been flooded with posts asking for Abu Obaida’s safety, while others shared clips of his previous speeches, emphasizing his symbolic importance.

At the same time, many expressed confidence in his survival, viewing the silence from the resistance as a deliberate tactic. One user wrote, “The mistake of revealing resistance leaders during the truce won’t be repeated. God willing, Abu Obaida is alive, and when the war officially ends, he will deliver the victory speech at the Saraya Square in Gaza.”

Digital Battlefield: Psychological Warfare Online

Analysts say the past 24 hours illustrate a new chapter in the psychological warfare between Hamas and 'Israel'. In the absence of official information, digital platforms have become a key battleground where each side seeks to shape narratives and influence public morale.

On one hand, 'Israel' reportedly spreads rumors of assassination or injury to sow doubt and demoralize supporters of Hamas. On the other, Hamas follows a “strategic ambiguity” approach, letting silence generate speculation and maintaining the initiative in the psychological arena. In this information vacuum, Abu Obaida’s fate remains unknown, yet he continues to symbolize steadfastness in the eyes of those who support him.

Historical Context: The Green Symbol of Resistance

Abu Obaida, the nom de guerre of Al-Qassam’s military spokesperson, became the most prominent media face of the resistance after announcing Operation Aqsa Typhoon on October 7, 2023.

He is known for speeches that combine warnings to 'Israel' with messages of hope for supporters of the resistance. This role has made him a primary target, with 'Israel' claiming in August 2025 that he had been killed in an airstrike, a claim never officially confirmed by Hamas. His continued absence contributes to the deliberate ambiguity surrounding resistance leadership.

Analysts note that this intentional mystery forms part of a security strategy aimed at protecting leadership while unsettling the enemy.