, Sept. 1 -- The Israeli military announced Sunday it had killed Abu Obeida, the longtime spokesperson for Hamas' armed wing, as the country's security cabinet convened to discuss the widening offensive in some of Gaza's most populated areas.

Officials said there were no plans to address ceasefire negotiations at the meeting.

Defense Minister Israel Katz identified the slain spokesperson as Abu Obeida, the nom de guerre for the representative of Hamas' Qassam Brigades, saying he was killed over the weekend. Hamas has not commented on the claim. The Israeli military further identified him as Hudahaifa Kahlout, alleging he was behind videos of hostages and footage of the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack.

Abu Obeida's last statement came Friday as...