GAZA — Israeli Protection Minister Israel Katz introduced Sunday that Abu Obeida, the longtime spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing, was killed in Gaza over the weekend, although Hamas has not confirmed his demise.
Obeida’s final public assertion got here Friday, when Israel declared Gaza Metropolis a fight zone and commenced a brand new navy offensive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier stated Israel had struck Obeida however was uncertain of the end result.
“I do discover there isn’t a one addressing this query on the Hamas aspect,” Netanyahu advised ministers at a weekly cupboard assembly.
Obeida is the newest senior Hamas determine focused by Israel as a part of its marketing campaign to dismantle the group’s navy management following the Oct. 7, 2023 assault, when militants killed about 1,200 individuals, principally civilians, and kidnapped 251.
Escalating toll in Gaza Metropolis
A minimum of 43 Palestinians have been killed since Saturday, most in Gaza Metropolis, based on native hospitals.
Shifa Hospital reported receiving 29 our bodies, together with 10 individuals killed whereas searching for assist. Al-Awda Hospital reported seven civilians killed whereas trying to achieve meals distribution websites.
Witnesses stated Israeli troops opened fireplace on assist seekers within the Netzarim Hall, a navy zone that bisects Gaza.
“We have been making an attempt to get meals, however we have been met with the occupation’s bullets,” stated Ragheb Abu Lebda, a displaced resident from Nuseirat. “It’s a demise entice.”
The Gaza Well being Ministry stated not less than 63,371 Palestinians have died through the struggle, roughly half of them ladies and kids.
The ministry is a part of the Hamas-run authorities and staffed by medical professionals.
The U.N. and impartial specialists think about it probably the most dependable supply on casualties, although Israel disputes its figures and has not supplied its personal.
Malnutrition disaster deepens
Seven Palestinians died of malnutrition-related causes up to now 24 hours, the well being ministry stated Sunday, bringing the whole to 215 adults and 124 kids since October 2023.
Assist teams warn famine declared in Gaza Metropolis may unfold south until entry improves.
The U.N. says greater than 90 p.c of Gaza’s 2.1 million individuals have been displaced not less than as soon as, with tens of hundreds nonetheless sheltering in Gaza Metropolis regardless of repeated evacuation calls.
Many say they’re too exhausted after a number of displacements or see no safer alternate options.
Israel has signaled it may minimize assist to Gaza Metropolis whereas pursuing infrastructure initiatives within the south, a transfer Palestinians view as compelled displacement. — Companies
