Israel Assassinates Hamas Top Commander Raed Saad in Gaza Strike

Israeli forces said they killed senior Hamas commander Raed Saad in a precision strike in Gaza they described as targeting a Hamas command structure.

“A draft for "phase two" needs many clarifications”

Al Jazeera

Gaza health authorities and local witnesses reported several civilians were killed or wounded, and Gaza health officials said there were multiple fatalities and injuries at the strike site.

Al Jazeera

Israel's statement described Saad as a senior planner who helped rebuild Hamas's military capabilities and linked him to the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks.

Hamas initially denied that Saad was killed and called the strike a violation of the fragile ceasefire, though some outlets later reported Hamas confirmation of his death.

Israeli authorities framed the operation as a reprisal after an explosive device wounded two Israeli soldiers.

Israeli leaders publicly linked the strike to ongoing security threats and to efforts to prevent Hamas from reconstituting.

AnewZ

Officials and media described follow-up hits on a moving vehicle intended to prevent survivors.

Israel said the operation hit a Hamas command structure.

Mediators and analysts warned that any targeted killing risks provoking severe political and humanitarian consequences and urged restraint as negotiations falter.

The strike intensified concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and renewed international calls for unfettered aid access and protection for civilians.

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AP News

Gaza’s health authorities and several outlets cite high cumulative death tolls since October 2023, and the U.N. General Assembly has urged Israel to allow full humanitarian access, stop attacks on UN facilities and abide by international law.

Some outlets emphasize large cumulative Palestinian death tolls in Gaza’s health ministry data, while global broadcasters noted they could not independently verify those figures.

Reports differed on Hamas's response, with some outlets saying Hamas confirmed Saad’s death and named a replacement.

Other outlets reported that Hamas had not confirmed the killing and called the strike a ceasefire violation.

Asharq Al-awsat - English

Hamas figures and negotiators warned the attack could derail phase-two talks and demanded mediators, especially the U.S., constrain Israel’s actions.

Separately, Israel has made the return of the remains of the final hostage, Ran Gvili, a precondition for moving to a second, more complex phase of a truce plan.