Israel strike kills Hamas spokesperson

DOZENS MORE KILLED IN GAZA IN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES AND GUNFIRE

- DEIR AL BALAH

Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, announced yesterday that Abu Obeida, a spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, was killed in Gaza over the weekend.

Hamas has not commented on Israel’s claim, as Israel began the initial stages of a new offensive in Gaza City, declaring the area a combat zone. Meanwhile, witnesses across the enclave reported dozens killed in airstrikes and gunfire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had attacked Abu Obeida, the longtime spokesman for Hamas’ Qassam Brigades, but did not know whether he had been killed.

“I hope that he is no longer with us, but I do notice there is no one addressing this question on the Hamas side,” Netanyahu told ministers at a weekly cabinet meeting.

Safety of hostages