Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Sunday the killing of Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for Hamas’s armed wing, during an Israeli operation in Gaza.

Katz praised the mission as a “perfect execution,” crediting the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency for their coordinated effort.

Abu Obeida had been a prominent figure and symbolic voice for Hamas, frequently appearing in videos and statements during conflicts with Israel. His death marks a significant blow to the group’s communication efforts and propaganda campaigns.

The strike comes amid ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas, which have escalated into one of the most intense chapters of the conflict in recent years.