Gaza City / Jerusalem, December 14, 2025: The Israeli military on Sunday claimed it had killed senior Hamas commander Raed Saad in a targeted strike in Gaza City, intensifying tensions despite a fragile ceasefire framework in place since October.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strike was carried out after an explosive device attack wounded two Israeli soldiers during operations in southern Gaza. Israeli officials described the action as a precision operation aimed at Hamas leadership, stating that Saad was a key operational commander involved in militant activities against Israel.
The announcement was made between December 13 and 14, 2025, with the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighting the operation as part of Israel’s ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas’s command structure and deter further attacks.
Hamas, however, did not confirm the death of Raed Saad. The group accused Israel of targeting a civilian vehicle, calling the strike a violation of the October 10 ceasefire agreement. Palestinian authorities also condemned the operation, warning that such actions risk undermining already fragile truce negotiations.
International observers and diplomatic sources expressed concern that the strike could jeopardize ceasefire talks and trigger renewed escalation in the region. Analysts noted that while Israel continues to emphasize security imperatives, any targeted killing during a ceasefire period carries significant political and humanitarian implications.
The incident comes amid heightened volatility in Gaza, where intermittent clashes, ceasefire violations, and stalled negotiations continue to test efforts toward de-escalation. Calls from international mediators for restraint and renewed dialogue have intensified following the latest developments.
