Ibrahim Kahlout: “How could the Lord of my father, Ibrahim, not choose him as a martyr?” Sondos Kahlout: “He ascended together with his wife and children.”

In a thunderous shock that shook the Palestinian and Arab streets, the news of the ascension of the voice of truth and the voice of the nation, Abu Obeida—the enigmatic masked man and military spokesperson of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades—dominated social media headlines and news platforms. He was regarded as one of the most present and influential symbols in the collective consciousness during years of confrontation with Tel Aviv. His voice rose until its echo reached the world, and every word he uttered became a story of struggle and resistance.

The body departed, but the spirit remained present, guarding meaning and firmly rooted in the memory of a nation that saw in him “its speaking honor.” At a time when people awaited his appearance on screen to speak of the strength of a people, the struggle of a homeland, and the steadfastness of Gaza—through a gaze from behind the mask, a strong and sincere voice, and a pointing finger that summarized all the headlines.

The news spread like wildfire, beginning with a moving announcement posted on social media pages, in which Ibrahim Hudhayfa al-Kahlout mourned his father, the commander known as “Abu Obeida,” announcing his martyrdom. The son attached a personal photo and wrote: “The martyrdom of my father, the military spokesperson of al-Qassam, Abu Obeida,” citing the Qur’anic verse: “Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their wealth in exchange for Paradise.”

Words that pierced the heart In words dripping with pain and pride, the son added: “How could the Lord of my father, Ibrahim, not choose him as a martyr… You have gone before us, my father, and we will, God willing, follow you. Allah prevails over His affair, but most people do not know.” Words that summarized the story of a man who lived hunted, led his battle with a voice that became an icon, and with a presence that never needed his face revealed to be known.

If officially confirmed by the Qassam Brigades, this announcement would be a pivotal event, given the exceptional symbolism Abu Obeida embodied over many years. His identity and fate remained shrouded in mystery, while his voice became the title of an era and his messages defining moments followed with anticipation inside and outside Palestine.

An honorable ascension In another chapter of pain, Sondos al-Kahlout, sister of commander Hudhayfa Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout (Abu Obeida), spoke with painful words revealing the human side hidden behind the mask. She confirmed that her brother did not ascend alone, but together with his wife and children, in a scene embodying the unity of fate between the leader and his family, who paid the full price.

Sondos revealed details of the final meeting, saying that her relationship with her brother over two full years was reduced to “a hug and a farewell that lasted only minutes,” reflecting the life of security isolation imposed on him and his deprivation of the simplest human rights—choosing a heavy path walked only by those who decide to stand at the front lines.

With the departure of Abu Obeida, the story of a man is not merely closed; rather, a new page opens in Palestinian memory—a page of a leader who became a symbol, a voice that turned into conscience, and a name inscribed among those who departed yet remained… martyrs in absence, alive in awareness, and present in every headline.