Hamas Confirms Commander’s Death Amid Fragile Ceasefire

Hamas has announced the death of Raed Saad, a prominent commander, who was killed by an Israeli explosive device as tensions linger between the two sides approaching the second phase of a tenuous ceasefire.

Saad, part of Hamas’ armed Qassam Brigades, was condemned by Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas’ chief negotiator, who characterized the strike as a violation of the ongoing ceasefire agreement.

“The continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement… and latest assassinations that targeted Saad and others threaten the viability of the agreement,” Hayya stated on Sunday.

“We call on mediators, especially the U.S. administration and President Trump, to ensure Israel adheres to the ceasefire,” he added.

The Qassam Brigades have indicated that they have appointed someone to replace Saad, though they haven’t revealed the new commander’s name. They insisted that Saad’s death wouldn’t deter them from their commitment to “the path of Jihad.”

On the other hand, Israel has labeled Saad as one of the key planners behind the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that initiated the current war in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu disclosed that he had directed the strike along with Defense Minister Israel Katz.

An official from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) defended the operation, arguing it did not breach the ceasefire because the military is entitled to target those involved in terrorism, as allowed under the peace agreement.

“Hamas has been blatantly violating the ceasefire agreement and is failing to meet its obligations,” the IDF official stated. “Day after day, Hamas terrorists breach the ceasefire, crossing the yellow line, and endangering IDF soldiers in authorized areas, which undermines stability efforts.”

Furthermore, Hayya indicated that Hamas refuses to disarm, a crucial step in the second phase of the ceasefire. He maintained that the group’s right to bear arms is “guaranteed by international law.”

Hayya also expressed concerns about the International Stabilization Force (ISF), a multinational group set to monitor Gaza’s demilitarization, secure borders, and offer law enforcement training. Although the ISF is essential for phase two, it has yet to be formed.

He insisted that the ISF should focus on “maintaining the ceasefire and separating the parties along the Gaza Strip’s border,” rather than establishing a significant presence within Gaza.

“We affirm that resistance and its weapons are a legitimate right under international law,” Hayya said. “We are open to any proposals that ensure this right while supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”

Hamas’ reluctance to disarm poses a challenge to the ceasefire, especially since Israel demands it. Earlier in October, President Trump stated that Hamas could either choose to disarm voluntarily or face forceful disarmament.

“They said they would disarm, and if they don’t, we will disarm them. And it will happen quickly and perhaps violently,” Trump remarked at that time.

The second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal is anticipated to start shortly after the remains of Israeli Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili are returned, as he is the last deceased hostage still in the area.