Background and Context
The ongoing conflict in Gaza escalated after militants, under the direction of Hamas, killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in an attack on October 7, 2023. In response, Israel launched a retaliatory offensive that has resulted in the deaths of over 70,700 Palestinians, the majority being civilians, according to Gaza health officials.
Key Figures and Their Roles
Raed Saed: A high-ranking Hamas commander, Saed played a significant role in the October 7, 2023 attacks against Israel. He was reportedly the head of Hamas’ weapons manufacturing force and second-in-command of its armed wing, following Izz eldeen Al-Hadad.
Background on Saed: Previously, Saed led Hamas’ Gaza battalion, one of the largest and best-equipped units within the group. His leadership was crucial in organizing and executing military operations.
The Israeli Strike
On Saturday, the Israeli military claimed responsibility for targeting and killing Raed Saed in a strike against a vehicle in Gaza City. The attack resulted in four fatalities and injured at least 25 others, according to Gaza health authorities.
While Hamas and medical professionals have not immediately confirmed Saed’s death, an Israeli defense official stated that Saed was the intended target and described him as Hamas’ weapons manufacturing force leader.
Impact on the Conflict
If Saed’s death is confirmed, it would mark the highest-profile assassination of a Hamas official since the ceasefire agreement took effect in October. The conflict began following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas-aligned militants that left 1,200 people dead and took 251 hostages in southern Israel.
The ceasefire on October 10 allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return home amidst the devastation in Gaza City. Israeli forces have withdrawn from city positions and increased humanitarian aid flow.
However, the violence has not entirely ceased. Palestinian health authorities report that Israeli forces have killed at least 386 people in Gaza attacks since the truce. Israel claims that three of its soldiers have died during this period, and they have targeted numerous combatants.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Raed Saed? Raed Saed was a high-ranking Hamas commander, serving as the head of weapons manufacturing and second-in-command of Hamas’ armed wing.
- What triggered the conflict in Gaza? The ongoing conflict began after Hamas-aligned militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages in an attack on October 7, 2023.
- What is the significance of Saed’s death? If confirmed, Saed’s assassination would be the highest-profile killing of a Hamas official since the ceasefire agreement, potentially impacting Hamas’ military capabilities and decision-making.
- How has the ceasefire affected Gaza? The October 10 ceasefire allowed many Palestinians to return home, with Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza City and increasing humanitarian aid. However, sporadic violence continues, with Palestinian health authorities reporting fatalities from Israeli attacks.
