Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced Sunday that the Israeli military killed Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas's armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, in an airstrike carried out the previous day. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Katz said the operation had "eliminated" Hamas's longtime spokesperson. The Israeli military and internal security agency Shin Bet later confirmed the death of Hudhayfa al-Kahlout, known publicly as Abu Ubaida, describing him as the head of Hamas's "propaganda apparatus." Hamas has not yet officially commented on the report. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at a cabinet meeting, said: "We hope Abu Ubaida is no longer with us," adding that time would clarify his fate. He also praised the retrieval of the bodies of two Israeli captives from Gaza, calling it a "significant achievement" in ongoing efforts to recover all hostages—alive or deceased. Netanyahu reiterated that his government is committed to defeating Hamas and securing the release of all abducted individuals, stating that military operations are ongoing in preparation for a full takeover of Gaza City. Meanwhile, Gaza's health ministry reported that 88 Palestinians were killed and 421 wounded in the past 24 hours. Since March 18, it says 11,328 people have been killed and 48,215 wounded in Israeli operations. Overall, the ministry claims that since the war began on October 7, 2023, 63,459 Palestinians have died and over 160,000 have been injured. The ministry also reported seven additional deaths linked to starvation and malnutrition, bringing the total number of famine-related fatalities to 339, including 124 children. The United Nations warned that children in Gaza have now lost access to education for a third consecutive year due to the conflict and destruction of schools. As the war nears the 23-month mark, the Israeli military reports the loss of around 900 soldiers and officers. Local authorities estimate that more than half a million Palestinians have fled Gaza City and nearby areas in recent days. The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that Gaza's capacity to absorb further displacement has reached its limit. In Europe, the "Freedom Flotilla Coalition" set sail Sunday from Barcelona, Spain, with participants from 44 countries aiming to challenge Israel's blockade of Gaza. Organizers said their mission is to support Gaza's civilians and "end the genocide." Demonstrations calling for an end to the war were held Saturday in multiple European cities, including Paris and Berlin. In Israel, thousands rallied in Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other cities to demand a deal for the release of hostages held in Gaza. Some demonstrators urged US President Donald Trump to intervene. According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the central rally took place in Tel Aviv's "Hostages' Square" and included families of those still held captive. Separately, World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain warned that the Israeli military's continued operations are severely hindering aid access. She described the famine in Gaza as "real and ongoing," saying she had personally met mothers and children suffering from acute hunger. McCain called for the immediate opening of border crossings to facilitate humanitarian deliveries.
