Jerusalem, 30 August, 2025 (TPS-IL) —
The IDF and Shin Bet announced on Saturday evening that they struck a “senior terrorist” in Gaza City using an armed drone. The target was identified as Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamas’s military wing, whose real name is Hudayfa al-Kahlout . The outcome of the operation has not yet been confirmed.
The strike took place at midday near a local bakery in northern Gaza. According to reports from the territory, more than ten people were eliminated in the attack. The IDF said the strike was carried out with precision munitions and aerial surveillance, in an effort to minimize civilian casualties. Officials added that specific intelligence received by the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence shortly beforehand enabled the operation.
The mission was directed from the Shin Bet’s Special Operations Command, reflecting Abu Obeida’s central role within Hamas. If his elimination is verified, it would deal both a symbolic and operational blow, undermining Hamas’s propaganda efforts and morale.
Just a day earlier, Abu Obeida delivered a statement warning Israel against moving to seize Gaza City, while also threatening the safety of Israeli hostages held in the enclave.
Meanwhile, Israeli media reported on Friday night that the political leadership has instructed the military to prepare for a major ground operation in Gaza City in the near future. The plan includes the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists, with orders for the IDF to accelerate the evacuation of civilians from the area.
According to the operational outline, Israel intends to move into Gaza City and take control before the Jewish New Year, which starts late September, with evacuations continuing even as the fighting progresses. The military has also drawn up contingency plans to capture the central refugee camps if Hamas refuses to surrender control of Gaza City.
Military assessments suggest that seizing Gaza City could take around two months, while capturing the central camps could extend operations to roughly three months.
Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 48 remaining hostages, around 30 are believed to be dead.
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