DaysofPal- The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, has officially introduced a new military spokesperson following the death of his predecessor, Abu Obeida, in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City in August.
In a pre-recorded statement broadcast on Arab media, the new spokesperson revealed for the first time that Abu Obeida’s real identity was Huthaifa Samir al-Kahlout, also known by the alias Abu Ibrahim. The new spokesman will assume the same nom de guerre — Abu Obeida — but his personal identity remains undisclosed.
A Legacy of Secrecy and Resistance
Abu Obeida had served as the face of Hamas’s military communication for over two decades, becoming a symbol of resistance throughout the Arab world. Known for his iconic red keffiyeh and masked appearances, he never revealed his identity publicly until the confirmation of his death.
“We mourn the great leader Huthaifa Samir al-Kahlout… who passed away after two decades of frustrating the enemies and uplifting the hearts of the believers,” said the new spokesman.
Kahlout’s speeches, often released during wartime, became a hallmark of Hamas’s messaging strategy. He provided battlefield updates, announced Israeli soldier captures, and issued warnings to Israel and its allies. His influence grew significantly after the Hamas-led October 2023 offensive.
Confirmation of Losses Among Hamas Leaders
In the same statement, the new Abu Obeida also confirmed the deaths of other senior Hamas commanders Mohammed al-Sinwar, former al-Qassam commander, killed in May, and Raed Saad, a senior leader, killed earlier in December.
Symbol of a Generation
Abu Obeida’s first public appearance came in 2004 during an Israeli assault on northern Gaza. Over the years, he announced the capture of Israeli soldiers Gilad Shalit (2006) and Shaul Aron (2014). His rhetoric, notably a 2024 speech condemning Arab governments for failing to aid Gaza, deeply resonated across the Arab world.
Born in the mid-1980s, Kahlout’s family was displaced during the 1948 Nakba. Despite being a top target of Israel, he managed to evade assassination attempts for decades — until the fatal August 2025 strike.
In April 2024, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned him as the head of Hamas’s “information warfare,” accusing him of leading the group’s cyber influence operations.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=70845
