Hamas confirmed Monday that Israeli forces have killed five senior leaders of its military wing, including longtime spokesperson Abu Obeida and the brother of October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar.

The terror group’s new spokesman delivered the announcement in his first public address, The Jerusalem Post reported. He revealed that he “inherited” the “Abu Obeida” pseudonym, meaning “father of the worshipers,” from his predecessor.

The previous spokesperson’s true name was Huthayfa Samir Abdallah al-Kahlout, according to the outlet. An Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike on Gaza City took him out on Aug. 31, 2025.

The Israeli military and Shin Bet security agency confirmed the kill at the time, but Hamas refused to acknowledge the death until now. (RELATED: Israel Steps Up Strikes On Gaza City)

Abu Obeida can no longer spread his lies, propaganda and terror.

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 31, 2025

The organization also admitted that Mohammad Sinwar, Hakham Muhammad Issa al-Issa, Mohammed Shabana and Ra’ad Sa’ad were killed by Israeli forces.

Mohammad Sinwar led the Izzadin al-Qassam Brigades before an Israeli Air Force airstrike killed him in the vicinity of the European Hospital in Khan Yunis in May 2025. The IDF announced confirmation of his demise in August 2025.

Israeli national security source viewed Sa’ad as the second-most senior official in the military wing before his death in a targeted strike earlier this month. He was operating using underground tunnels for months prior, Israeli estimates indicated. Sources said he left the tunnels inside a vehicle when several strikes targeted him.

Issa was a high-ranking member of Hamas’ military wing, The Jerusalem Post reported. Israeli strikes on Gaza City in June 2025 killed him. He was viewed as one of the al-Qassam Brigades’ founders and helmed the organization’s combat support operations.

The new spokesperson defended the October 7 massacre as a “resounding explosion in the face of injustice, oppression, siege, and all forms of aggression against al-Aqsa and our people.”

He vowed that the terror group would continue armed conflict with Israel. “Our people defend themselves and will not abandon their weapons as long as the occupation remains, and will not surrender even if they fight with their fingernails,” he said.

The announcement followed reports of an upcoming Hamas leadership election, according to The Jerusalem Post. Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Mashaal are considered frontrunners for the position.