Deadly Strike in Gaza Targets Senior Hamas Commander

Sat Dec 13 2025 21:59:28 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza has resulted in the death of a senior Hamas official, triggering further violence and international concerns.

In a recent airstrike, the Israeli military has reportedly killed a senior Hamas commander in Gaza City, leading to additional casualties among civilians. This operation forms part of ongoing conflict dynamics in the region, which are associated with Israel's strategic military goals against Hamas leadership. The strike adds to the urgency surrounding diplomatic efforts for peace in the region, amidst escalating tensions.

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

In a statement, the Israeli military stated it had struck a key Hamas terrorist in Gaza City.

The Hamas-run Civil Defence spokesman, Mahmoud Basal, reported that four individuals were killed in the strike, with several passers-by also suffering injuries due to the blast.

Local sources suggest that the strike targeted Raed Saad, a senior commander in Hamas's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades.

The BBC has been restricted from reporting independently from Gaza, limiting the ability to verify the incident details.

Saad is believed to be part of a newly formed five-member military leadership council shaped since a ceasefire took effect in October. He has been a target for Israeli forces on multiple occasions over the years, considered one of the most wanted Hamas figures.

Previous attempts to kill Saad included a March 2024 operation where Israeli forces sought to apprehend him. Sources disclosed he was at the targeted site but escaped ahead of the raid.

The strike occurred on the Palestinian-controlled segment of the Yellow Line, dividing Gaza after a fragile ceasefire was established on October 10.

This incident is being viewed against the backdrop of a larger diplomatic discourse, with Israel's government currently focusing on peace negotiations amidst significant regional tensions and casualties—with reports of over 70,000 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli military actions since conflicts escalated.