Israel announced on October 14, 2023, that its military conducted an operation resulting in the death of Raed Saad, a senior commander of Hamas, in the southern Gaza region. This development follows an incident where an explosive device injured two Israeli soldiers in the same area. Hamas, however, has not confirmed Saad’s death, claiming that a civilian vehicle was targeted outside Gaza City, which they characterized as a breach of the ceasefire established on October 10, 2023.
Saad held significant roles within Hamas, overseeing its manufacturing division and previously leading its operations. The Israeli government described him as a key planner behind the October 7 attacks that ignited the ongoing conflict, asserting that he was involved in efforts to rebuild the organization in violation of the temporary ceasefire.
Details of the Airstrike
The Israeli strike, reported to have occurred west of Gaza City, resulted in the deaths of four individuals, as confirmed by an Associated Press journalist who witnessed their bodies being transported to Shifa Hospital. Additionally, three others were reported injured at Al-Awda Hospital. This incident adds to a growing number of casualties since the ceasefire took effect, with Palestinian health officials estimating that at least 386 Palestinians have been killed as Israeli airstrikes and military actions continue.
Both Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a cycle of accusations regarding violations of the ceasefire. Israel maintains that its recent attacks are retaliatory measures against militant actions targeting its soldiers. The ongoing conflict has led to a strained humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the population faces severe shortages of medical supplies and essential services.
Humanitarian Impact and Ceasefire Conditions
The conflict has resulted in the deaths of more than 70,650 Palestinians, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between militants and civilians in its figures. This figure includes a significant number of women and children. The ministry, operating under Hamas governance, is staffed by medical professionals and is recognized for its detailed record-keeping, which the international community generally considers reliable.
As the situation evolves, Israel has made it clear that the return of the final hostage, Ran Gvili, is a prerequisite for advancing to the next phase of the ceasefire negotiations. These negotiations outline a vision for dismantling Hamas’s control and establishing a demilitarized Gaza under international oversight.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, with extensive destruction reported across the territory and over 2 million residents displaced. Aid entering Gaza continues to fall short of the levels stipulated in the ceasefire agreement, leaving many victims of the conflict, especially those requiring prosthetic limbs, facing significant delays in medical assistance and rehabilitation resources.
For further updates and coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit the Associated Press at apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war.
