The Israeli armed forces said Raed Saad, a senior leader of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, was killed in an attack in Gaza on Saturday. He was considered one of the two most important figures from the military wing of the organization still alive, alongside Hamas leader in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad. Media in the besieged enclave said four people were killed in the action. There was no immediate confirmation from Hamas, which condemned the attack as an attempt by Israel to “undermine and sabotage” the fragile ceasefire established between the sides in October.
- Despite the instability: Israeli Prime Minister says second phase of Gaza ceasefire deal should move forward ‘very soon’; Army chief talks new border in Gaza
- Learn more about: Parents of last Israeli hostage still dead in Gaza await their son’s return to Israel
According to Israeli authorities, Saad played a central role in efforts to rebuild Hamas’ military capabilities, being directly involved in resuming weapons production. The army also says it suspects him of being involved in promoting the manufacturing of weapons for the organization’s branch in Lebanon.
Throughout his career in Hamas, Saad has accumulated various important roles. In 2005, he commanded the Gaza Brigade, then took charge of the sector responsible for weapons production and later became head of the group’s operational branch. Unlike other leaders of the military wing, he occasionally appeared at public events, although rarely. Last year, Israel had already tried to kill him during an attack in Gaza City.
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office accused Saad of being “one of the architects” of the October 7, 2023 attacks in southern Israel, which sparked the Israel x Hamas war.
Israeli authorities continue to prevent the entry of basic materials for shelters, as well as fuel and equipment for water infrastructure, leaving the population of Gaza “exposed to completely avoidable damage” after the passage of Storm Byron, warned Oxfam, a global confederation of organizations that fight poverty and inequality, Qatari channel al-Jazeera reported.
A week ago, Netanyahu said he hoped to move “very soon” to the second phase of the U.S.-sponsored Gaza ceasefire plan. The statement was made during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, at a time when Arab countries are pushing for the start of the second phase of the peace plan, as Israeli forces continue to operate against Palestinian positions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Previously, Hamas had said it was ready to hand over its weapons to a Palestinian authority, provided the occupation by the Israeli army ended.
— We discussed how to end the rule of Hamas in Gaza… We finished the first part… And then, very soon, we hope to move on to the second phase, which is more difficult — Netanyahu said, without mentioning a deadline.
The second phase of the ceasefire plan negotiated by US President Donald Trump envisages the demilitarization of Hamas, as well as the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from the enclave. Despite this, both sides are reluctant to take the next step of maintaining military activities on Palestinian territory and accusing the opposing side of not respecting the conditions of non-aggression.
Other mediators attempt to advance the normalization process and end the hostility. Qatar and Egypt, the main negotiators between the Arab countries, called on Saturday for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the sending of the International Stabilization Force (ISF), provided for in the agreement.
About The Author
