Israel kills Hamas propaganda chief behind hostage and attack videos
Photo: Hamas propaganda chief killed in targeted strike (Getty Images)
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the elimination of Hudahaifa Kahlout, known as Abu Obaidah, in the Gaza Strip. Kahlut was the head of the propaganda apparatus of Hamas' Military Wing.
He was one of the last high-ranking Hamas leaders who survived the October 7, 2023, attacks. Over the past decade, Kahlut led the group's propaganda operations, directed psychological warfare campaigns, and served as a key spokesperson for the organization.
"Under Kahlout's command, Hamas' propaganda apparatus was responsible for spreading footage of the atrocities of the October 7th massacre, using footage taken by Hamas terrorists," the IDF said.
Kahlut also managed the dissemination of videos promoting attacks against Israel across the Arab world. He was behind the release of videos showing hostages in the Gaza Strip. After October 7, 2023, he was responsible for numerous videos featuring Israeli civilians captured during the attacks.
On August 30, Israeli media reported that a precise strike in the Gaza Strip could have targeted a senior Hamas leader.
Not to capture, but to destroy Hamas
Earlier in August, it became known that Israel had approved a plan to seize control of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the country's goal is not to occupy Gaza. Instead, he said, the aim is to liberate it from Hamas.
"Our goal is not to occupy Gaza. Our goal is to free Gaza, free it from Hamas terrorists. The war can end tomorrow if Hamas lays down its arms and releases all the remaining hostages,” Netanyahu said.
For more on why Israel intends to take control of the Gaza Strip fully, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
