Israel says it has killed a top Hamas commander in Gaza

Jerusalem – The Israeli military announced Saturday that it had killed a senior Hamas commander in Gaza. The announcement followed the detonation of an explosive device that wounded two Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza.

Hamas has not confirmed the death of Raed Saad. The organization released a statement saying a civilian vehicle was hit west of Gaza City. Hamas called the incident a violation of the ceasefire that began on October 10.

According to Israeli officials, Saad was in charge of Hamas' manufacturing operations and formerly led the group's operations division. Israel claims Saad was a key planner of the October 7, 2023, attack that initiated the current war. They further stated that he was actively “engaged in rebuilding the terrorist organization” in violation of the existing ceasefire agreement.

An Associated Press journalist reported seeing the bodies of four people killed in the Israeli strike arrive at Shifa Hospital. Medical sources at Al-Awda hospital reported that three others were wounded in the same strike.

Both Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused the other of violating the terms of the current truce.

Palestinian health officials report that Israeli airstrikes and shootings in Gaza have killed at least 386 Palestinians since the ceasefire began. Israel claims its recent strikes are a response to militant attacks targeting its soldiers. Israeli forces maintain they have fired on Palestinians who approached the “Yellow Line” separating the Israeli-controlled area of Gaza from the rest of the territory.

Israel continues to demand that Hamas return the remains of Ran Gvili, the final hostage from Gaza.