The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed yesterday the elimination of Hudahaifa Kahlout, also known as Abu Ubeidah, Hamas's military wing spokesperson and head of its propaganda apparatus, in an airstrike on his hideout in Gaza City. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz congratulated the IDF and Shin Bet for the "perfect execution" in a tweet. Sources close to Hamas's official "Fact Testing" page denied earlier statements attributed to a senior figure in Edit A-Ramsh claiming Abu Obeidah was alive and unharmed, a denial interpreted by some as confirmation of his elimination. The IDF Chief of Staff stated that if more Hamas leadership is abroad, they will also be targeted. In a separate incident, a severe safety malfunction occurred with an Air Force fighter jet in the northern Gaza Strip. A bomb dropped due to a technical issue exploded hundreds of meters from IDF soldiers, causing them to be showered with stones and sand, though no injuries were reported. The IDF acknowledged the event and stated it would be investigated. Separately, Israeli Foreign Minister Gazaoun Saar informed his American counterpart Marco Rubio that Israel is preparing to declare the inclusion of the West Bank soon, according to Israeli sources. Meanwhile, a prospectus seen by The Washington Post outlines plans for the temporary relocation of Gaza's over 2 million population during reconstruction, potentially involving "voluntary" departures or movement into secured zones within the enclave. Regarding international relations, a Ukrainian senior official indicated that travel to Ukraine for Rosh Hashanah prayers might not be possible this year due to security considerations, despite Foreign Ministry spokesman Oren Marmorstein stating there was no change in Ukrainian policy. The Houthis have issued a threat, stating, "IsraeI kiIIed our PM, now we will kiII IsraeI's PM. It is as simple as that."
