Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in the northern Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025.
Israel confirmed the killing of Hamas’ longtime spokesperson as its security cabinet discussed a wider Gaza offensive. The announcement came as fighting intensified in some of Gaza’s most populated areas.
No talks on a ceasefire were on the agenda, officials clarified. Families of hostages, however, expressed anger at the lack of negotiations.
Hamas Spokesperson Killed
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz identified the spokesperson as Abu Obeida, the well-known face of Hamas’ Qassam Brigades. He was killed over the weekend, though Hamas has not issued a statement on the claim.
The Israeli military further identified him as Hudahaifa Kahlout. He was said to be behind videos of hostages and footage from the October 7 attack. Israel warned that Hamas leaders abroad also remain targets.
Abu Obeida’s final message came Friday. He warned that hostages in combat zones were at risk and threatened that remains of dead hostages would “disappear forever.”
Hostage Families Protest
Fewer than 50 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza. Israel estimates only about 20 are alive.
Relatives of the hostages staged protests outside the cabinet meeting. They accused Israel’s leadership of avoiding a ceasefire deal.
“My son is alive, yet our government is sacrificing him,” said Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker.
Rising Civilian Deaths
Palestinian officials reported at least 43 deaths since Saturday, with most casualties in Gaza City. Shifa Hospital confirmed 29 bodies, including 10 killed while trying to collect aid.
Relatives of victims questioned Israel’s justification for the attacks. “Are children and civilians resistance fighters?” one grieving woman asked outside Shifa Hospital.
Other hospitals also reported casualties. Al-Awda Hospital said seven civilians died while seeking aid. Witnesses described Israeli troops firing on crowds in the Netzarim Corridor.
“We were just trying to get food,” said Ragheb Abu Lebda, a witness. “Instead, we were met with bullets. It’s a death trap.”
Gaza City Under Siege
Israel has increased airstrikes in coastal districts, including Rimal. Smoke and destruction filled Gaza City on Sunday.
Residents, weary from multiple displacements, sifted through rubble. Children searched for water, food, and basic supplies. Many say they are too exhausted to flee again.
The U.N. estimates that more than 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced at least once, many multiple times.
Israel has hinted at limiting aid to Gaza City, while pushing new infrastructure projects in southern Gaza. Palestinians fear this amounts to forced displacement.
Hunger and Malnutrition Deaths
Hunger continues to claim lives across Gaza. The Health Ministry reported seven more adult deaths from malnutrition-related causes in just 24 hours.
Since June, at least 215 adults and 124 children have died of malnutrition. The death toll highlights the worsening humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, a flotilla carrying aid and activists set sail from Barcelona on Sunday. It was the largest sea mission yet to break the blockade. Past attempts, however, have failed.
Mounting Toll of the Gaza War
The Gaza Health Ministry says more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. Nearly half of them are women and children.
Israel disputes the numbers but has not provided alternative figures. The U.N. and independent experts regard the ministry’s count as the most credible.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants killed about 1,200 people in Israel and abducted 251. Israel’s ongoing campaign aims to dismantle Hamas and prevent another attack.
