Israel announced that it had killed a senior Hamas commander in a vehicle attack inside Gaza City. According to the Israeli military, a “key Hamas terrorist” was hit.
Civil Defense spokesman Mahmoud Basal said four people were killed and several bystanders were wounded in the attack. Sources reported that the attack may have targeted Raed Saad, a senior commander of Hamas' armed Qassam Brigades.
Saad is considered one of the most prominent Qassam commanders, having led several brigades during Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli communities east of Gaza City. Israel has attempted to assassinate him on several occasions over the past two decades, including a surprise operation in March 2024, where he managed to escape moments before the attack.
Saturday's attack took place on the Palestinian side of the so-called Yellow Line, which divides Gaza since the uneasy ceasefire brokered by the United States was agreed on October 10.
Israeli forces control the eastern part of the line, which encompasses just over half of the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, diplomatic focus is shifting towards the next phase of US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan, which envisages the disarmament of Hamas and an interim technocratic government in Gaza.
