Israeli Strike Kills Senior Hamas Commander Despite Cease-Fire, Reports Say
GAZA CITY - An Israeli drone strike on a car in Gaza City has killed Raed Saed, a high-ranking Hamas commander, alongside three others on Saturday, according to multiple reports. The death of Saed, believed to be one of the architects of the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel, has sparked further tension in the region, with Hamas accusing Israel of violating the ongoing cease-fire.
Background and Context
Saed was reportedly in charge of the Weapons Production Headquarters of Hamas' military wing and was considered one of the last remaining veteran senior militants in the region. He held several senior positions within the organization's military leadership, and his death is seen as a significant blow to Hamas' ability to reestablish its capabilities.
According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz, they had ordered the attack. Saed's car was targeted near al-Nabulsi square in western Gaza City. The attack resulted in at least 25 injuries, with conflicting reports on the total number of fatalities.
Key Developments
Despite the cease-fire, an Israeli military official stated that under the agreement, Israel is allowed to strike targets actively engaging in terrorism. They claimed that Saed had been working to reestablish the terror group's capabilities and weapons manufacturing in recent months.
Although Hamas did not immediately confirm Saed's death, it said a civilian vehicle had been attacked outside Gaza City. The militant group declared the Israeli raid as a blatant violation
of the cease-fire agreement.
Implications and Reactions
The incident has led to reactions from various quarters. Hamas said the attack was a breach of the truce, and Israeli reports suggest that Jerusalem is hoping the killing of Raad Saad doesn't delay the return of the last hostage's body. Israel is still reportedly pushing the U.S. to press the terror group to hand over the remains of Ran Gvili after the assassination of the senior Hamas official.
Current Status
The exact number of casualties from the Israeli strike is still unclear, with reports varying from four to five deaths. The civil defense agency and medical sources in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory reported that an Israeli strike killed five people in the Tel al-Hawa district, southwest of Gaza City. On the other hand, Israel's army has maintained that there was only one strike conducted in the area, which killed the top Hamas figure, Raad Saad.
This attack marks yet another escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, against the backdrop of a fragile cease-fire agreement. The repercussions of this act on the cease-fire and the overall peace process in the region remain to be seen.