Israel announced on Saturday that it has killed a prominent commander of the Hamas militant group, Raed Saad, in an airstrike in Gaza. The operation followed an explosion that injured two Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza. Saad, who was responsible for manufacturing weaponry for Hamas and previously led the group’s operations division, was described by Israeli officials as a key figure behind the October 7, 2023, attack that initiated the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military claimed that the strike, targeting a vehicle west of Gaza City, constituted a necessary response to ongoing ceasefire violations. Israeli sources indicated that Saad had been involved in efforts to rebuild Hamas in defiance of the ceasefire established on October 10, 2023.
In a statement, Hamas did not confirm the death of Saad but condemned the airstrike, asserting that it violated the ceasefire agreement. The group reported that the attack resulted in civilian casualties, with four individuals killed and several others injured. An Associated Press journalist witnessed the arrival of the deceased at Shifa Hospital, while Al-Awda Hospital reported three additional injuries.
Escalating Violence and Humanitarian Crisis
The hostilities between Israel and Hamas have seen a significant increase in violence, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the truce. Since the ceasefire began, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza have reportedly killed at least 386 Palestinians, according to health officials in the territory.
Israel has justified its military actions as retaliatory measures against militant assaults on its forces, particularly near the “Yellow Line,” which marks the boundary between Israeli-controlled areas and the remainder of Gaza. The Israeli government has demanded the return of the remains of the final hostage, Ran Gvili, linking this to the progression of ceasefire negotiations.
Efforts to establish a more comprehensive ceasefire seek to end Hamas’ governance and facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza under international oversight. The conflict’s origins can be traced back to the initial Hamas-led assault in October 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths in Israel and the taking of 251 hostages.
Humanitarian Impact in Gaza
The ongoing conflict has devastated the Gaza Strip, leading to the deaths of over 70,650 Palestinians since the start of the violence, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. This figure includes a significant number of women and children, reflecting the severe human toll of the conflict. The ministry operates under the Hamas administration, employing medical professionals who maintain comprehensive records that are generally recognized as reliable by the international community.
With most of Gaza’s population of over 2 million displaced, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Aid delivery has consistently fallen short of the levels stipulated in ceasefire agreements, exacerbating the plight of those affected. Many Palestinians, particularly those who have lost limbs in the conflict, face acute shortages of prosthetic devices and lengthy delays in medical evacuations.
As the situation continues to evolve, international observers are closely monitoring developments, hoping for a resolution that addresses both humanitarian needs and long-term peace in the region.
