Israeli Airstrike Eliminates Key Hamas Commander in Gaza

Mon Dec 15 2025 18:56:23 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a targeted strike, Israel has reportedly killed Raed Saad, a senior commander of Hamas, in Gaza. The operation is part of ongoing military action against the militant group following the recent conflict.

Israel has announced the successful targeting of Raed Saad, the head of weapons production for Hamas, in a strike that reportedly resulted in multiple casualties, including bystanders. The attack underscores the continued hostilities in the region and Israel's long-standing pursuit of Hamas leaders. Saad was seen as a central figure in the Qassam Brigades' military operations, particularly during recent escalations of violence.

Israel said it killed a senior Hamas commander on Saturday in a strike on a vehicle inside Gaza.

In a joint statement, the Israeli military and security agency Shin Bet announced it 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 led several brigades during Hamas's 7 October attacks on Israeli communities east of Gaza City.

The Hamas-run Civil Defence spokesman, Mahmoud Basal, told the BBC that four people were killed in the strike. He said multiple passers-by were also injured by the blast.

A local Hamas official in Gaza confirmed that the strike also killed Saad's aide and another lower-ranking official identified as Abu Imad al-Laban.

The BBC is prevented by Israel from reporting independently from inside Gaza and is unable to verify details of the incident.

The IDF and ISA joint statement added that Saad had been responsible for the deaths of many soldiers killed in the Gaza Strip as the result of explosive devices.

Saturday's attack occurred on the Palestinian-controlled side of the Yellow Line, dividing Gaza since a US-led ceasefire took effect on 10 October.

Israeli forces control the area to the east of the line, which covers just over half of the Gaza Strip.

Trump's 20-point peace plan for the region demands the return of hostages taken by Hamas during the October attacks. Reportedly, around 1,200 people were killed during those events, with over 250 people taken hostage.

Since the start of the conflict, over 70,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed by Israeli military action following these escalations. Meanwhile, international diplomacy is now focusing on future peace efforts, which may require the disarmament of Hamas.