Benjamin Netanyahu: Israel Claims Senior Hamas Commander Raed Saed Killed Post-Ceasefire

The Israeli military has announced a significant development, claiming to have killed Raed Saed, a senior Hamas commander, in Gaza. This alleged strike occurred after a ceasefire was implemented in October, raising concerns about the fragile peace in the region. According to the Israeli army, Raed Saed was the alleged mastermind behind the devastating attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in widespread casualties and destruction. This claim by Israel has once again brought the delicate balance between Hamas and Israel into sharp focus. The Israeli military reported that it targeted a car in Gaza City on Saturday, an attack in which Raed Saed was allegedly killed. A joint statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that Saed was targeted in retaliation for an earlier Hamas attack on the same Saturday, which injured two Israeli soldiers with an explosive device. Gaza health officials reported that the car attack resulted in the deaths of 5 people and injuries to at least 25 others. However, neither Hamas nor medical personnel immediately confirmed whether Raed Saed was among the deceased.

Attack in Gaza City

**Who Was Raed Saed? An Israeli military official described Raed Saed as a high-level member of Hamas, instrumental in establishing and advancing the organization's weapons production network. The official further stated that in recent months, Saed had been actively working to re-establish and strengthen Hamas's weapons manufacturing capabilities, an action Israel deems a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. Sources suggest that Saed previously led Hamas's Gaza City battalion,. Which is considered one of the organization's largest and best-equipped units.

Hamas's Response

Hamas issued a statement condemning the Israeli attack, labeling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement. However, the group has not yet officially confirmed the death of Raed Saed, while On top of that, Hamas has refrained from issuing any threats of retaliation in response to this incident, leaving the situation ambiguous. This cautious stance by Hamas suggests a careful evaluation of their strategy during this sensitive period, avoiding immediate escalation.

The October Ceasefire and Its Aftermath

The conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched an assault on southern Israel. This attack resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. In response, Israel initiated extensive retaliatory military operations against Hamas. According to Gaza health officials, more than 70,700 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military actions since then. A 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump led to the implementation of a ceasefire on October 10, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to the devastated areas of Gaza City.

Has the Violence Ceased?

Following the ceasefire, Israel withdrew its troops from the city, and humanitarian aid supplies increased. However, the violence has not entirely subsided. Palestinian health officials report that at least 386 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since the ceasefire began, while conversely, Israel states that 3 of its soldiers have been killed and dozens of fighters targeted since the ceasefire took effect. This indicates that tensions and sporadic violence persist in the region, casting a shadow over hopes for lasting peace and stability.