Background on Raed Saad and His Significance
Raed Saad, a prominent military leader within Hamas, was confirmed dead by the group’s chief in Gaza, Khalil al Hayya. Saad was reportedly one of the key figures behind the October 7, 2023 attack against Israel, which triggered a major conflict in Gaza. The Israeli military announced his death on Saturday, stating that he was one of the “architects” behind this attack.
Hamas’ Response and Reaffirmation of Armed Struggle
Khalil al Hayya, the head of Hamas in Gaza, acknowledged Saad’s passing on Sunday. In a message broadcasted via Al-Aqsa TV, al Hayya expressed condolences for the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people, mentioning over 70,000 individuals affected by the conflict, including Saad and his comrades.
Al Hayya emphasized that the resistance and its armed struggle are legitimate rights protected by international law, directly linked to the establishment of a Palestinian state. He further stated that Hamas is open to considering any proposals that uphold this right and ensure the creation of a Palestinian state.
Ceasefire and its Implications
A ceasefire, brokered by the United States, took effect on October 10 in the Gaza Strip, approximately two and a half years after the war initiated by Hamas’s unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, 2023.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Raed Saad? Raed Saad was a high-ranking military leader in Hamas, considered one of the masterminds behind the October 7, 2023 attack against Israel.
- Why is Saad’s death significant? Saad’s passing is a loss for Hamas, and his role in the October attack underscores his importance within the organization. His death also highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
- What does Hamas’ reaffirmation of its right to arms mean? Hamas insists that its armed struggle is a legitimate right protected by international law, directly tied to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
- What was the outcome of the ceasefire negotiated by the United States? The ceasefire, effective October 10, brought an end to the conflict initiated by Hamas’s attack on Israel two and a half years prior.
