Israel Confirms Killing of Hamas Commander Riad Saad in Gaza Strike
According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, Israeli forces confirmed the targeted killing of Riad Saad, a senior commander within Hamas’ Al-Qassam Brigades, in Gaza. The confirmation follows reports of an airstrike on a vehicle in the Al-Nabulsi street area of southern Gaza, which resulted in multiple casualties.
Israeli sources told Yedioth Ahronoth that Washington was notified of the operation 20 minutes after it was carried out. According to these sources, Tel Aviv acknowledged the risk of angering the U.S. with this assassination.
The sources insisted there was no connection between the assassination of Riad Saad and any alleged ceasefire violations by Hamas. Internal disagreements within Israeli security agencies regarding the operation were also noted.
Israeli state media reported that intelligence agencies would continue targeting Hamas leaders in the Gaza Strip, prioritizing those involved in the October 7th attacks.
An Israeli army spokesman stated that forces in the southern command are deployed according to agreements and will act to neutralize any immediate threats. The military also claimed its forces in northern Gaza killed an armed individual who crossed a “yellow line” and posed a threat.
The Israeli army asserted that Riad Saad was responsible for rebuilding and strengthening Hamas forces.
An Israeli military radio report claimed that there had been opportunities to target Riad Saad in the past two weeks, but they were cancelled at the last minute. “He has survived numerous assassination attempts during the war, and it is not yet clear if the operation was successful. Assessments indicate a high probability of success,” the radio report stated.
