Israel's Military Says It Killed Senior Hamas Commander in Gaza

The Israeli military announced it killed a high-ranking Hamas commander in Gaza, identifying him as one of the key planners of the October 7, 2023, attack that initiated the ongoing conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Raed Saad was killed after an explosive device detonated, wounding two soldiers in southern Gaza.

Hamas issued a statement that did not confirm Saad's death. The group claimed a civilian vehicle was hit outside Gaza City and described the incident as a “brazen criminal breach” of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire that began on October 10.

According to the IDF, Saad was in charge of Hamas's manufacturing operations and had previously led the group's operations division. The Israeli military asserted that Saad was “engaged in rebuilding the terrorist organization,” thus violating the ceasefire agreement.

An IDF official stated that the strike did not violate the ceasefire because the agreement allows the military to target individuals actively involved in terrorist activities.

"Hamas has been blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement and is failing to uphold its obligations,” the official said. “Day after day, Hamas terrorists breach the ceasefire agreement, crossing the yellow line, threatening the lives of IDF soldiers operating in the authorized areas, and moreover undermining the ongoing efforts to maintain stability."

The Associated Press reported that an Israeli strike west of Gaza City resulted in four fatalities. An AP journalist witnessed the bodies arriving at Shifa Hospital. The strike also wounded three other individuals.