Gaza Strip – Israeli military sources have expressed concern over the relative silence of Hamas following the assassination of senior commander Raed Saad. According to reports, Israeli officials believe this quietude is not indicative of acceptance, but rather a strategic pause.
Speaking to Israeli media, the sources suggested that Hamas is patiently awaiting an operational opportunity to strike near Israeli forces or to execute an ambush. The officials stated that Hamas will likely exploit any perceived vulnerability.
The assassination of Raed Saad occurred on December 13th, when Israeli forces targeted a vehicle he was traveling in on the coastal road southwest of Gaza City. The Israeli military released footage of the strike, which took place near the Nabulsi roundabout on Al-Rashid Street.
Following the operation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a joint statement claiming responsibility for the assassination. They stated that the strike was in response to a breach of the ceasefire agreement, specifically the detonation of an explosive device targeting Israeli soldiers.
Saad’s assassination marks the culmination of a decades-long pursuit by Israel. Reportedly, he had survived numerous previous attempts on his life.
In related developments, sources familiar with planning discussions at the Civil-Military Coordination Center revealed that Israeli military officers are actively involved in the details of reconstruction plans for Gaza. These plans include the removal of millions of cubic meters of construction debris and the development of detailed blueprints for new Palestinian neighborhoods.
Furthermore, Israeli security sources have suggested that Hamas might propose a compromise involving the formation of a technocratic governing committee. This committee would gradually assume control of civil affairs in the Gaza Strip, operating under the supervision of an international peace council and including representatives from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. The ceasefire agreement in Gaza came into effect on October 10th.
