Gaza – In a recorded speech broadcast on Rab Media on Monday, Hamas’s new spokesman revealed that Abu Ubaida was killed by Israel in August and that Abu Ubaida’s real name was Hudhaifa Samir al-Kahlot.
The new spokesman said he would also carry out his duties under the same nom de guerre, Abu Ubaida, but his identity was not disclosed.
This is the first time Hamas has officially confirmed al-Kahlot’s real identity. He served as the spokesman and head of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ military media unit for more than two decades, during which time he never revealed his face.
A Legacy Hidden Behind a Scarf
He was known in the Arab world as “the veiled one” for his speeches, which were covered with a red scarf (kaffiyeh).
The new Abu Ubaidah said in his statement, “We mourn the martyrdom of the great leader Hudhaifa Samir al-Kahlot, Abu Ibrahim, the head of the Al-Qassam media system, who defeated the enemies for twenty years and encouraged the hearts of the faithful.”
He added, “We pay tribute to this masked figure in the red keffiyeh, the thunderous voice of the nation, Abu Ubaidah, who did not leave his people alone even in the most difficult circumstances and addressed them directly from the battlefield.”
The new spokesman also confirmed the killing of former Al-Qassam Brigades commander Muhammad al-Sinwar in May and the martyrdom of other senior military leaders, including Raed Saad.
Hudhaifa Samir al-Kahlot was Hamas’ military spokesman for more than twenty years. He was known for his speeches detailing the battlefield situation, military successes, and direct challenges to Israel.
His voice, style, and identity were also adopted in protest demonstrations and songs in the Arab world.
Strategic Role and Global Impact
His fame increased significantly, especially after October 2023, when Hamas’ surprise attack and the subsequent Israeli war on Gaza shook the region.
During an interview in 2005, Al-Kahlot stated that his family was displaced by Zionist militias during the 1948 Nakba and settled in a refugee camp in Gaza. According to sources, his real identity was limited to a few very close Hamas members during his life.
He adopted the name “Abu Ubaydah” during the Second Intifada (2000–2005), which is likely a reference to Abu Ubaydah ibn Al-Jarrah, a distinguished companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and a great general.
His first public appearance was in 2004, in the form of a press conference during the Israeli ground invasion of northern Gaza. In 2006, he announced the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, and in 2014, he was the first to report the capture of another Israeli soldier, Shaul Aron.
One of his speeches in October 2024 went viral, in which he strongly criticized Arab rulers for not delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. His phrase “God forbid” later became a symbolic slogan in the Arab world.
Israel had tried to target him several times over the past 20 years, including two attempts after October 2023. In April 2024, the United States added him to its sanctions list, designating him as Hamas’ “information warfare chief.”
According to analysts, Abu Ubaida’s personality and role were central to Hamas’s military and communications strategy, and despite his martyrdom, the organization has sent a message of continuity with the same name and symbol.
