Abu Obaida, the spokesperson of the military wing of the Palestinian resistance organization Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades has been a prominent figure in media coverage related to the conflict for the past two decades. Because of his masked identity and the harsh language of his statements, he has become a voice of encouragement for supporters and a source of concern for Israel.
Abu Obaida first appeared publicly in September 2004 through a brief press statement in the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza. At the time, he was reportedly 18 years old. In his very first statement, he criticized Israeli military actions and referred to the ongoing clashes in northern Gaza. This statement later became the starting point of his public identity.
In 2007, he was formally appointed as the spokesperson of the Al-Qassam Brigades. Exactly one year earlier, he had announced the operation in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was captured. After that, Abu Obaida continued to appear regularly in the media during every major conflict.
During the 2008 Gaza war, the 2014 fighting, and the 2021 Saif al-Quds conflict, his statements helped sustain the morale of supporters. He shared information related to Israeli losses and resistance operations. However, his language remained firm and disciplined, which gave him a distinct identity.
Even in the situation that began after October 7, Abu Obaida continued to issue statements regularly. The prolonged conflict and conditions in Gaza also appeared to affect his health, yet despite all this, his media role continued.
Reports state that Abu Obaida’s date of birth was not publicly known. He died on August 30, 2025. According to supporters, he devoted his entire adult life to carrying the voice of the resistance to the world.