On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed it killed Ra'ad Sa'ad, head of the weapons production division in Hamas' military wing, in a precision strike in the southern Gaza Strip. Described as one of the planners of the October 7, 2023 attack and one of the last senior militants in Gaza, Sa'ad was "directly responsible for violations of the ceasefire agreement" by leading weapon manufacturing during the truce, according to a joint IDF and Shin Bet statement.
Earlier that day, two Israeli reserve soldiers were lightly wounded by an explosive device during an operation to clear militant infrastructure in southern Gaza. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the elimination of Sa'ad was a direct answer to the attack.
Since the ceasefire took effect in October 2025, Israel has carried out targeted strikes in Gaza, with Gaza’s health authorities reporting over 380 fatalities and more than 1,000 injuries among residents. The operation underscores the fragility of the truce and raises questions about the path forward for lasting peace.
Analysts say this action highlights the ongoing tension beneath the surface of the ceasefire, as both sides navigate a volatile truce. International observers are watching closely for potential escalations and humanitarian impacts.
For young global citizens and thought leaders focusing on stability and human rights in conflict zones, this strike is a pivotal moment, illustrating the challenges of enforcing ceasefires and the human cost when they falter.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
