 |
| Israel says a 'key' Hamas figure has been killed in Gaza City |
Israel announced on Saturday that it killed a senior Hamas commander, Raed Saad, in a drone strike in Gaza City, marking the most significant assassination since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire began in October. The attack, which killed multiple people, has been condemned by Hamas as a "criminal violation" of the truce.
Key Details of the Strike
- Target: Raed Saad, described by Israel as head of Hamas's weapons manufacturing and a key architect of the October 7, 2023 attacks.
- Location: Nabulsi junction, west of Gaza City.
- Casualties: Conflicting reports; Gaza health authorities say 4–5 people were killed and more than 25 injured.
- Official Israeli Stance: Ordered by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz in response to a Hamas explosive device that wounded two Israeli soldiers earlier on Saturday.
- Ceasefire Justification: Israel claims the strike complies with truce terms allowing action against targets actively engaged in terrorism.
Who Was Raed Saad?
According to Israeli and Hamas sources, Raed Saad was a pivotal figure in Hamas’s military structure:
- Senior Role: Head of Hamas's weapons manufacturing and force buildup.
- Military Command: Former commander of Hamas's Gaza City battalion and considered second-in-command of its armed wing.
- Ceasefire Activities: Israel alleges he was actively attempting to re-establish and rehabilitate Hamas’s military capabilities.
Conflicting Narratives and Ceasefire Context
Hamas Response & Reported Violations
- Hamas did not confirm Saad’s death and said a civilian vehicle was targeted in violation of the ceasefire.
- Palestinian authorities report that at least 386 people have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began.
- Israel says three of its soldiers have been killed during the same period.
The Stalled Next Phase of the Ceasefire
The U.S.-brokered agreement outlines a second phase involving Hamas’s disarmament and Gaza’s reconstruction. However, progress remains stalled.
- Israel says talks cannot proceed until Hamas returns the remains of the final hostage, Ran Gvili.
- A Hamas political bureau member has suggested openness to freezing or storing weapons under long-term guarantees.
Related Geopolitical Developments
West Bank Settlement Expansion
- On December 12, Israel approved the legalization of 19 settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank.
- Palestinian officials condemned the move as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international law.
UN Demands for Humanitarian Access
- The UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding unrestricted humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
- The vote passed 139–12, with the U.S. and Israel voting against.
- The resolution follows an ICJ advisory opinion on Israel’s obligations as an occupying power.
Timeline of Events
- Early Saturday: An explosive device detonated near Israeli forces in Gaza, injuring two Israeli soldiers, according to the Israeli military.
- Hours Later: Israeli leadership approved a targeted drone strike in Gaza City.
- Strike Time: A vehicle was hit near the Nabulsi junction in western Gaza City.
- Aftermath: Local health officials reported multiple deaths and injuries; Hamas condemned the attack.
International Reactions
- United States: U.S. officials urged restraint from all sides and emphasized the importance of preserving the ceasefire framework.
- United Nations: UN representatives expressed concern over the escalation and warned of deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
- Arab States: Several regional governments condemned the strike, calling it a threat to regional stability.
- European Union: EU officials reiterated calls for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic negotiations.
Legal and Human Rights Perspective
Human rights organizations have raised concerns over targeted killings during a ceasefire, questioning their compatibility with international humanitarian law. Israel maintains that its actions are lawful acts of self-defense against imminent threats.
- Legal experts note that ceasefire agreements typically restrict offensive military actions.
- Disputes often center on definitions of "imminent threat" and "active hostilities."
Why Gaza City Matters
Gaza City is a strategic and symbolic center for Hamas’s political and military infrastructure. Strikes in densely populated areas often carry a higher risk of civilian casualties, intensifying international scrutiny.
What Happens Next?
- Possible retaliatory actions from Hamas or allied groups could further destabilize the ceasefire.
- Mediators, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, are expected to intensify diplomatic efforts.
- Humanitarian access and reconstruction talks may face further delays.