Abu Ubaida, also spelled Abu Obayda, Abu Ubayda, and Abu Ubaydah, is a significant figure in the Palestinian political and military organization, Hamas. He is the spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas.
Abu Ubaida Early Life and Identity
Ubaida first emerged in 2002, representing the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades to the media and at press conferences¹. After the Israeli disengagement from Gaza in 2005, he was officially appointed the spokesman for Al-Qassam. His actual name is not known, and most of his personal details remain a mystery. He only appears wearing a keffiyeh covering his face. In 2014, Israeli media outlets released a photo, allegedly of Abu Ubaida, with the name Huzaifa Samir Abdullah al-Kahloot. However, the validity of the photo and name were denied by the al-Qassam Brigades.
Abu Ubaida Role in Hamas
As the spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Ubaida has been a key figure in the organization for more than a decade. He has delivered numerous statements on behalf of the brigades, including words of support for Palestinian resistance of Israeli occupation as well as claims of responsibility and threats for terror attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians.
Notable Statements
Abu Ubaida has made several notable statements throughout his career. In June 2020, in response to plans by Israeli leaders to officially annex parts of the West Bank, Abu Ubaida said that “the forces of the resistance will faithfully protect the Palestinian people,” and vowed to “make the enemy bite its fingers in regret for such a sinful decision.” He described the Israeli plans as a “declaration of war”.
During the 2021 escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Abu Ubaida said that striking Tel Aviv, Dimona, Ashdod, Ashkelon, and Beersheba were “easier for us than drinking water,” proclaiming that “there are no red lines when responding to the aggression”.
In May 2022, in response to Israeli calls to assassinate Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar following several Palestinian attacks on Israelis, Abu Ubaida said that if “the enemy and its failing leadership” hurt Sinwar, it would unleash a “regional earthquake and an unprecedented response”.
Conclusion
Abu Ubaida remains a key figure in Hamas and the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. His statements and actions continue to shape the course of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. As the spokesperson for the military wing of Hamas, his words carry significant weight and influence within the organization and beyond.
