An Israeli drone strike in western Gaza City on Saturday killed Raed Saad, a senior Hamas commander regarded as one of the group’s top military leaders.
What the strike targeted
The attack hit a vehicle near al‑Nabulsi Square, west of the city, according to local reports. Saad, a senior member of Hamas’s military general staff, is viewed as the organization’s second‑in‑command after military chief Izz ad‑Din al‑Haddad. In a joint statement, the IDF and Shin Bet said they had targeted “a key terrorist” who had recently been involved in efforts to rehabilitate and manufacture weapons for Hamas.
How the operation unfolded
Military sources say several opportunities to eliminate Saad had arisen in recent weeks, but only on Saturday did Israeli intelligence obtain a high‑confidence, above‑ground location for the operative, prompting the drone strike. Officials are expected to explain the strike to American counterparts—who have expressed reservations—by linking it to repeated Hamas violations of the ceasefire, especially sightings of suspects near the “yellow line,” the boundary separating Israeli‑held and Hamas‑controlled Gaza.
Background on Raed Saad
Saad emerged from Hamas’s “Generation 2005,” advancing after early involvement in the First Intifada, long detentions by Israeli and Palestinian authorities, and combat experience in the Second Intifada. That generation is credited with reshaping Hamas from a guerrilla movement into a structured military force focused on confronting Israel.
Israel had previously attempted several times to kill Saad without success. In March 2024, the military mistakenly announced his capture during an operation at Sheba Hospital in Gaza, later correcting the report to state he had not been detained.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Raed Saad?
Raed Saad was a senior member of Hamas’s military general staff, born in 1972, and widely described as the chief planner of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. He also authored the “Jericho Wall” document outlining Hamas’s comprehensive military strategy.
How did Israeli forces locate Saad for the strike?
According to military sources, Israeli intelligence achieved a high‑confidence identification of Saad’s above‑ground location only on Saturday, after several prior opportunities to target him had arisen.
What is the United States’ stance on the operation?
U.S. officials have expressed reservations about such targeted actions, and Israeli defense officials are expected to justify the strike to American counterparts as a response to Hamas’s ceasefire violations, particularly the movement of suspects near the “yellow line.”
What impact do you think the loss of a senior commander like Saad will have on the conflict’s trajectory?
