Israel Eliminates Senior Hamas Commander in Gaza Strike

Breaking News: Israel Targets Senior Hamas Official in Deadly Gaza Strike Israel's military and security agency Shin Bet announced Saturday that they had eliminated Raed Saad, a senior Hamas commander and head of weapons production for the Qassam Brigades, in a strike on a vehicle inside Gaza City. The Israeli military confirmed that Saad was killed in the operation, along with his aide and another lower-ranking official. According to eyewitnesses, the strike occurred at approximately 10:00 AM local time, resulting in the deaths of four people, including Saad. Multiple passers-by were also injured by the blast. The Hamas-run Civil Defence spokesman, Mahmoud Basal, confirmed the casualties. The Israeli military and Shin Bet issued a joint statement announcing the elimination of Saad, who was regarded as one of the most prominent Qassam commanders. Saad led several brigades during Hamas's 7 October attacks on Israeli communities east of Gaza City. The strike has sparked an immediate response from both sides. The Israeli government has yet to comment on the incident, while Hamas officials have condemned the strike as a "war crime." The BBC is prevented by Israel from reporting independently from inside Gaza and is unable to verify details of the incident. In the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, this strike marks a significant escalation. The Qassam Brigades have been responsible for numerous rocket attacks on Israeli communities, while Israel has carried out several military operations in Gaza in recent months. As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the developments. The United Nations has called for restraint from all parties involved, while the United States has urged calm and a return to negotiations. The implications of this strike are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the fragile peace process in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the conflict between Israel and Hamas remains a pressing concern for the international community.