Son of Hamas spokesperson Abu Obaida mourns his father as group confirms his death

• Ibrahim Huthaifa al-Kahlout announced the death of his father, Abu Obaida, Hamas’ long-time military spokesperson, in a social media post after the group confirmed he was killed by 'Israeli' forces.

The son of Abu Obaida, the long-time military spokesperson of Hamas’ armed wing, has announced his father’s death in a message circulated on social media, as Hamas officially confirmed that the spokesperson was killed.

In a statement shared on several social media platforms, Ibrahim Huthaifa al-Kahlout mourned his father, identifying him as the military spokesperson of the Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ armed wing, known publicly as Abu Obaida. In the post, he said his father had been killed.

Al-Kahlout published a personal message accompanied by a photograph, writing: “The killing of my father, the military spokesperson of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obaida.” He also quoted a verse from the Quran referring to the promise of reward for those who fight and are killed for their faith.

In an emotional follow-up message, he added: “How could the Lord of Abu Ibrahim not choose him [for this fate]… You have gone before us, my father, and God willing, we will follow. God prevails in His affairs, though most people do not know.” The remarks were widely shared online.

Hamas earlier confirmed that Abu Obaida’s real name was Huthaifa al-Kahlout, ending years of secrecy surrounding the identity of the masked spokesperson, who had been a central figure in the group’s military messaging for more than a decade.

On Tuesday, Hamas’ armed wing formally acknowledged his death for the first time, stating that he was killed by 'Israeli' forces. The announcement was accompanied by the introduction of a new military spokesperson, who is expected to take over all official communications, including statements and video messages.