Hamas Confirms Killing of Senior Commander Raed Saad in Israeli Airstrike on Gaza City

GAZA :  Palestinian resistance group Hamas has confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Raed Saad, in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City, despite an ongoing ceasefire agreement, according to reports by Anadolu Ajansi.

The confirmation came on Sunday (Dec 14) during a televised address by Hamas’ Gaza-based chief Khalil al-Hayya, who stated that Saad was killed in an Israeli attack carried out a day earlier. The Israeli strike reportedly targeted a vehicle in western Gaza City on Saturday (Dec 13), killing four Palestinians in total. The Israeli army claimed the operation was aimed specifically at Saad.

Raed Saad had survived multiple previous assassination attempts and was considered a key figure within Hamas’ military leadership. His killing has further heightened tensions in the besieged enclave.

The airstrike occurred despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect on Oct 10. Hamas and local authorities accuse Israel of repeatedly violating the truce. Since the ceasefire began, at least 391 Palestinians have been killed and 1,063 others injured in Israeli attacks, according to Gaza health officials.

Since the start of Israel’s military offensive on Gaza in October 2023, more than 70,600 Palestinians—mostly women and children have been killed, with over 171,100 others wounded. The violence has continued intermittently despite international calls for restraint and the implementation of temporary ceasefire arrangements.

The latest killing is expected to further strain ceasefire efforts and fuel regional and international concern over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.