On December 14, 2025, Israel announced that it had killed Raed Saad, a top Hamas commander, in an airstrike outside Gaza City. This operation, which followed an explosive device attack that wounded two Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza, has sparked significant controversy as both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating a ceasefire agreement that had been in effect since October 10, 2025.
Background of the Attack
According to Israel’s statement, Saad was one of the key architects behind the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, which ignited the current war between Israel and Hamas. As a Hamas official in charge of weapons manufacturing and military operations, Saad was considered a critical figure in Hamas’s efforts to rebuild its terrorist operations. The Israeli government described the airstrike as retaliation for militant activity and a violation of the ceasefire by Hamas, who allegedly continued rebuilding its military capabilities.
Hamas, however, did not confirm the death of Saad, and in a statement, the militant group called the airstrike a violation of the ceasefire. According to Hamas, the Israeli strike targeted a civilian vehicle near Gaza City, resulting in multiple fatalities. The group condemned the attack as an escalation of the ongoing conflict, which has already caused significant loss of life and destruction in Gaza.
Casualties and Reactions
The Israeli strike reportedly killed at least four people and wounded several others, according to local medical reports. The bodies of the deceased were brought to Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where they were received by grieving family members and medical personnel. Al-Awda Hospital also reported three additional injuries from the strike. The deaths are part of the growing toll the conflict has exacted on Gaza’s population since the ceasefire took effect.
Hamas and Israel have been accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement, which was meant to halt the fighting and pave the way for a more sustainable peace process. While Israel claims that its airstrikes are retaliatory actions in response to attacks on its soldiers, Hamas accuses Israel of continuing to target civilians and infrastructure in Gaza, despite the terms of the ceasefire.
Since the ceasefire took effect, Israeli airstrikes and shooting incidents have resulted in the deaths of at least 386 Palestinians, according to health officials in Gaza. The situation on the ground has remained dire, with the international community expressing concern about the continued humanitarian crisis in the region.
Israel’s Demand for Hostage Remains
In addition to the military operations, Israel has demanded the return of the remains of its final hostage, Ran Gvili, as a condition for moving forward with the second phase of the ceasefire. The Israeli government has emphasized that this is a crucial step for further negotiations, which aim to dismantle Hamas’s control over Gaza and establish a demilitarized zone under international supervision.
The October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, with 251 hostages taken by Hamas militants. Since then, most hostages have either been released or their remains returned through ceasefires or other agreements. However, Ran Gvili’s remains are still held by Hamas, and Israel is insistent on their return as a prerequisite for any further diplomatic progress.
Impact of the War on Gaza
The ongoing conflict has had devastating consequences for Gaza’s civilian population. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 70,650 Palestinians have been killed in the war, with approximately half of the casualties being women and children. The Ministry, which operates under Hamas’s control, has provided detailed records that are generally regarded as reliable by the international community. However, there is significant debate about the exact number of militants versus civilians in these death toll figures, as Hamas does not distinguish between the two in its reporting.
The war has caused widespread destruction across Gaza, with much of the region’s infrastructure decimated. More than two million residents have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in temporary shelters or moving across the border into Egypt. Humanitarian aid has struggled to reach those in need, with shipments often blocked or delayed due to security concerns and logistical challenges.
One of the most pressing issues for Palestinians in Gaza is the shortage of medical supplies. Many people who have lost limbs in the war face long delays in receiving prosthetic limbs, and medical evacuations have been hindered by the lack of resources and security in the region.
A Ceasefire Under Strain
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was agreed to in October 2025, was seen as a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict. The agreement aimed to reduce the violence and create space for dialogue between the two sides. However, the latest developments, including the airstrike that killed Saad, have put the ceasefire under immense strain.
Both sides have violated the terms of the truce in the months since it was signed. Israel has argued that its actions are necessary to protect its soldiers and civilians from ongoing militant activity, while Hamas insists that Israel continues to escalate the conflict by targeting civilians and undermining the peace process.
With tensions rising once again, the prospects for a lasting peace remain uncertain. The situation in Gaza continues to worsen, with the international community calling for renewed efforts to negotiate a solution that addresses the humanitarian crisis while also ensuring Israel’s security.
A Continuing Crisis
The recent Israeli airstrike that killed Raed Saad highlights the ongoing volatility in Gaza and the deep divisions between Israel and Hamas. While both sides have violated the ceasefire, the death of a key Hamas commander adds to the mounting casualties and destruction in the region. The prospects for peace remain unclear, with Israel’s demand for the return of hostage remains and Hamas’s defiance of ceasefire terms making negotiations more challenging.
As the war continues, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens, with thousands of lives lost and millions displaced. The international community remains divided, with calls for both sides to respect the ceasefire and work toward a more lasting solution to the conflict.
