Israel has officially revoked the immunity previously granted to Hamas leaders abroad during hostage negotiations, declaring them once again legitimate targets for assassination.
During the talks, Hamas negotiators in exile demanded and received assurances that Israel would not target them, in exchange for advancing discussions on the release of hostages. That immunity has now been annulled.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed on Sunday that Hamas leaders outside Gaza will be pursued following the strike that killed Abu Ubaida, spokesman of the Al-Qassam Brigades, in Gaza. Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed Abu Ubaida’s death, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the elimination was carried out by the Shin Bet and the IDF.
Abu Ubaida, one of the masterminds behind the October 7 “Al-Aqsa Flood” attack, was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike that also left at least 66 dead in Gaza. Israel signaled that more targeted killings of Hamas leaders in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and beyond could follow.