Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed that Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamas' armed wing, was killed in Gaza during an Israeli military operation. Obeida had last spoken on Friday when Israel declared Gaza City a combat zone at the start of its new offensive. Hamas has not commented on Israel's claim of his death.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had struck Obeida, a longtime spokesperson for Hamas' Qassam Brigades, but at first could not confirm if he was killed. At a weekly cabinet meeting, Netanyahu pointed out that Hamas leaders remained silent on the matter. Israel has repeatedly targeted Hamas leaders as part of its wider military strategy.

Local hospitals reported that at least 43 Palestinians were killed in Gaza City over the weekend. Shifa Hospital received 29 bodies, including 10 people who were trying to obtain aid. Al-Awda Hospital later confirmed another 11 fatalities, most of them civilians. Witnesses described chaotic scenes where Israeli troops opened fire on crowds in the Netzarim Corridor.

Residents say the corridor has become a "death trap," with civilians being shot while seeking food or aid. Aid convoys backed by the UN and international partners have also faced looting and attacks, worsening the humanitarian crisis. Neither Israeli forces nor aid contractors responded to questions about these deaths.

The United Nations reported that more than 65,000 Palestinians fled their homes in August alone, adding to the massive displacement crisis. Over 90 percent of Gaza's 2.1 million residents have been displaced at least once since the conflict began.

Gaza's health ministry said at least 63,371 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, about half of them women and children. It also reported 215 deaths from malnutrition, including 124 children, highlighting the devastating impact of starvation and lack of aid.

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