The Israeli military announced on Saturday that it has killed senior Hamas commander Raed Saed, describing him as one of the key architects of the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Saed was targeted in an airstrike on a vehicle in Gaza City, marking the highest-profile killing of a Hamas leader since a ceasefire agreement came into effect in Gaza in October.
The report, first published by Reuters, indicates that the operation followed an earlier Hamas attack in which an explosive device wounded two Israeli soldiers on Saturday.
In a joint statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Saed was deliberately targeted in direct response to continued Hamas attacks, emphasizing that Israel holds the group fully responsible for violations of the ceasefire.
“Those who plan and carry out attacks against Israel will be held accountable, regardless of timing or location,” the statement said, reinforcing Israel’s position that military operations will continue against Hamas leadership.
The killing risks further escalating tensions in Gaza, as regional and international actors closely monitor the fragile ceasefire and the broader security situation.
Hamas has not yet issued an official response to the Israeli claims.
