DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced Sunday that Abu Obeida, a spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, was killed in Gaza over the weekend.

Obeida’s last statement was on Friday as Israel began the initial stages of a new offensive in Gaza City, declaring the area a combat zone. Hamas has not commented on Israel’s claim.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel said on Sunday that it had targeted a Gaza-based Hamas spokesperson as hospitals and witnesses across the enclave reported dozens killed in airstrikes and gunfire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had attacked Abu Obeida, the longtime spokesman for Hamas’ Qassam Brigades, but did not know whether he had been ki

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