The Israel Defense Forces has officially confirmed that Raed Saad, considered one of the second most influential leaders of Hamas, was neutralized during a special operation in Gaza City.
Modern.az reports that the press service of the Israeli army released information regarding this.
According to the information, Raed Saad's “Skoda” brand car was targeted on Saturday afternoon while he was on the move with his pguards.
The strike was carried out against the backdrop of an active ceasefire, and this action is effectively considered a clear violation of the ceasefire.
It is reported that the operation was carried out with the direct authorization of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, based on the recommendation of the country's supreme military leadership. It is emphasized that the decision contradicts the position of US President Donald Trump. Trump had, in his last phone call, asked Netanyahu to give a chance to diplomatic initiatives and his own plan for Gaza.
According to the Israeli side, Raed Saad was one of the main planners of the attack carried out against Israel on October 7, 2023. He is considered the founder of Hamas's military academy and participated in the development of combat doctrines for urban warfare and raid operations. His neutralization holds both symbolic and strategic importance for Israel and strengthens Netanyahu's image as a hardline leader in an election year.
