Israel Announces Killing of Senior Hamas Commander Raed Saad in Gaza Airstrike

Senior Hamas Commander Killed in Gaza Airstrike

Israel announced on Saturday, December 13, 2025, that it had killed Raed Saad, a senior commander within Hamas, in an airstrike in Gaza City. The Israeli military stated that Saad, described as a key architect of the October 7, 2023, attack, was targeted following an explosive device detonation that wounded two Israeli soldiers in the southern Gaza Strip. The soldiers reportedly sustained minor injuries.

The airstrike occurred west of Gaza City, with some reports specifying the location as along the coastal Rashid Road and in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood. According to an Associated Press journalist, the strike resulted in the deaths of four people, whose bodies were brought to Shifa Hospital. Other accounts suggest five fatalities, including Saad's aide and a low-ranking Hamas official. Additionally, three individuals were reported wounded and received treatment at Al-Awda Hospital.

Raed Saad's Role in Hamas

Raed Saad held significant positions within Hamas's military structure. He was identified by Israeli authorities as the head of Hamas's weapons manufacturing headquarters and had previously led the militant group's operations division. Israeli statements described him as one of the 'architects' or 'masterminds' behind the October 7, 2023, attack that initiated the ongoing conflict.

Saad was considered one of the last remaining high-ranking Hamas commanders in the Gaza Strip and was reportedly the number two figure in Hamas's military arm, second only to Izz al-Din al-Haddad. Israeli officials further alleged that Saad had been 'engaged in rebuilding the terrorist organization' and 'planning and carrying out attacks against Israel,' activities they deemed a 'blatant violation of the ceasefire.' He was also credited with developing the 'Jericho's Walls' invasion plan.

Ceasefire Violations and Hamas's Response

The Israeli strike comes amidst a fragile ceasefire that took effect on October 10. Both Israel and Hamas have repeatedly accused each other of violating the terms of this truce. Israeli officials maintained that the strike did not constitute a ceasefire violation, asserting that the agreement permits targeting individuals actively involved in terrorism.

Hamas, however, did not confirm Raed Saad's death. In a statement, the group claimed that a civilian vehicle had been struck outside Gaza City and characterized the Israeli action as a 'brazen criminal breach' and a deliberate attempt to 'undermine the ceasefire agreement.' This latest incident follows previous unsuccessful attempts by Israel to target Saad, including one in June 2024 and a raid on Shifa Hospital in March 2024, from which he reportedly escaped.

Implications for Hostage Negotiations

The killing of Raed Saad has raised concerns among Israeli security sources regarding its potential impact on the return of the remains of Ran Gvili, believed to be the final hostage held in Gaza. Israel has consistently demanded the return of Gvili's remains as a prerequisite for advancing to the second, more complex phase of the ceasefire agreement.