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 killed.

“I hope that he is no longer with us, but I do notice there is no one addressing this question on the Hamas side,” Netanyahu told ministers at a weekly cabinet meeting.

Obeida last issued a statement on Friday. He said fighters in Gaza City were prepared as Israel declared the city a combat zone and launched the early stages of its offensive. Hamas would try to keep the hostages alive, he said, while warning that clashes w

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