Israel announced it killed Raed Saad, a senior Hamas commander, in a strike on a vehicle in Gaza on Saturday. Saad, head of weapons production for Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, was a key figure in the 7 October attacks on Israeli communities east of Gaza City. The Israeli military and Shin Bet described the operation as an “elimination” of a high-value target.
<a href=”http://republicpolicy.com”>Follow Republic Policy</a>
Hamas officials confirmed four people were killed in the strike, including Saad’s aide and lower-ranking commander Abu Imad al-Laban, while multiple passers-by were injured. Details remain difficult to independently verify due to restrictions on reporting from inside Gaza.
<a href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL3-dG9koD4&t=229s&ab_channel=RepublicPolicy”>Follow Republic Policy</a>
Israel has attempted to target Saad for over two decades, including a March 2024 raid in Gaza City. He is believed to be a member of a five-person Hamas military leadership council formed since the October ceasefire. The strike occurred on the Palestinian-controlled side of the Yellow Line, dividing Gaza since the US-led ceasefire.
<a href=”https://twitter.com/RepublicPolicy”>Follow Republic Policy</a>
Attention now turns to the second phase of President Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, focused on Hamas disarmament, transitional governance, and potential Palestinian statehood. The plan remains controversial in Israel, with ongoing diplomatic discussions ahead of Trump’s meeting with PM Netanyahu on 29 December.
<a href=”https://facebook.com/RepublicPolicy”>Follow Republic Policy</a>
