Mon Dec 29 21:34:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

Summary:

Hamas confirmed the death of its longtime spokesman, Abu Obeida, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza in August 2025. Israel had announced his death in late August. The announcement coincided with a meeting between U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, focused on bolstering the fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire in Gaza. A new spokesman, also using the Abu Obeida nickname, appeared in a video reiterating Hamas’ refusal to disarm. The war between Israel and Hamas began after the October 7, 2023 attack, and despite the ceasefire, casualties continue in Gaza.

News Article:

Hamas Confirms Death of Spokesman Abu Obeida, New Spokesman Vows No Disarmament

BEIRUT, LEBANON – DECEMBER 30, 2025 – Hamas has confirmed the death of its longtime spokesman, Hudhayfa al-Kahlout, known as Abu Obeida. The group acknowledged on Monday that he was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza in August 2025.

The confirmation, first announced by Israel on August 31, comes as U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Florida to discuss the shaky ceasefire in Gaza. The U.S.-brokered ceasefire, which went into effect in October, is facing challenges as the second phase approaches.

Abu Obeida had been a prominent figure within Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, since the group took control of Gaza in 2007. His masked appearances delivering combative statements to Israel made him a familiar face to Palestinians and across the region. The Israeli military stated that he was a key part of Hamas’ media and propaganda operation.

Hamas released a video on Monday featuring a new spokesman, also using the Abu Obeida nickname. In the video, the masked spokesman vowed that Hamas would not disarm, directly contradicting the terms of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire.

“Our people are defending themselves and will not give up their weapons as long as the occupation remains,” the new Abu Obeida stated.

The Israel-Hamas war, sparked by the October 7, 2023, attack that claimed the lives of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and resulted in the abduction of around 250 hostages, continues to claim lives in Gaza despite the ceasefire. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that 414 people have been killed and 1,142 wounded in Gaza since October 10. The overall Palestinian death toll from the war stands at over 71,266.

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