Israel reported that it killed a senior Hamas commander on Saturday in a strike on a vehicle inside Gaza.
In a joint statement, the Israeli military and the security agency Shin Bet announced they had 'eliminated' Raed Saad, the head of weapons production for Hamas's military wing, the Qassam Brigades, in Gaza City.
Saad had been regarded as one of the most prominent Qassam commanders and played a significant role during the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israeli communities near Gaza City.
The Hamas-run Civil Defence spokesman, Mahmoud Basal, reported that the strike killed four individuals, with additional bystanders reported injured.
A local Hamas official confirmed that among the dead were Saad's aide and another Hamas official identified as Abu Imad al-Laban.
The situation remains tense as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and Israeli Security Agency (ISA) emphasized that Saad was linked to the deaths of many soldiers due to explosive devices.
With decades of attempts to neutralize him, this operation marks a high-profile moment in the ongoing conflict. The military action occurred on a part of Gaza under Palestinian control, further complicating the already volatile atmosphere on the ground.
As the conflict continues, the focus shifts toward diplomatic efforts to establish peace and stability in the region amidst rising tensions.
