The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades honored its late spokesperson Abu Obeida, 40, and four other commanders who were martyred in 2025.

Al-Qassam released a statement on Telegram on December 29, 2025 confirming that Abu Obeida died as early as August 30, 2025 in a Zionist Israeli air strike in Rimal, Gaza City. He was for the first time introduced by his real name, Hudhaifa Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout. He served as al-Qassam’s spokesperson for almost two decades.

The new spokesperson of al-Qassam, who inherited the name Abu Obeida, read the tribute.

“We mourn the great commander and martyr, the al-Qassam Brigades spokesperson, Abu Obeida—the strong voice of the nation, a man of word and conviction, the heartbeat of Palestine, of its Jerusalem, of its people and its struggle, and the head of Qassam’s media agency,” the new spokesperson said.

“He (al-Kahlout) was the masked figure loved by millions, awaited with eagerness and drawn upon for inspiration… his red keffiyeh became a symbol for free peoples around the world.”

Al-Kahlout was born in the Jaballa refugee camp in 1985. He joined the Second Intifada at age 15, using the kunya (war name) Abu Obeida. It is believed to have come from the name Abu Ubayda ibn al-Jarrah, a companion of the Prophet Mohammad and a renowned military commander.

Abu Obeida formally appeared as spokesperson in 2004–2005 and continuously fulfilled his duties as the “voice of the people.” He delivered reports on battles, responded to Zionist Israel’s allegations, and gave courage to the Palestinian resistance. His face was always covered with a red keffiyeh during his public statements.

In addition to Al-Kahlout, the new spokesperson also honored other martyred al-Qassam commanders: Mohammad Sinwar (Abu Ibrahim), Mohammad Shabanah (Abu Anas), Hakam Al-Issa (Abu Omar), and Raed Saad (Abu Mouath).

“The blood of our people, our fighters, and our leaders that was shed on the soil of Gaza…calls for the nation to rise, shake off complacency, and mobilize in support of Palestine and Al-Aqsa,” the new Abu Obeida said.