Israel said it killed a senior Hamas commander on Saturday in a strike on a vehicle inside Gaza. In a statement, the Israeli military reported that it had 'struck a key Hamas terrorist' in Gaza City. The Hamas-run Civil Defence spokesman, Mahmoud Basal, informed that four individuals died in the strike, with multiple passers-by sustaining injuries due to the explosion. Local sources indicate that the strike may have targeted Raed Saad, a significant figure within Hamas's armed wing, the Qassam Brigades.

The BBC cannot independently verify the details of the incident due to restrictions placed by Israel on its reporting from inside Gaza. Saad is part of a military leadership council formed after a ceasefire came into effect in October and has been recognized for his role in coordinating attacks during the conflict.

Israel has made several attempts on Saad's life over the years, the most notable being a failed operation in March 2024 when Israeli forces attempted to capture him, but he escaped shortly before the raid began.

The recent airstrike occurred amid tensions following the establishment of a ceasefire. This ceasefire significantly altered the landscape of control within Gaza, with Israeli forces currently managing the territory to the east of the so-called Yellow Line. This line has defined control divisions since the fragile ceasefire commenced.

The diplomatic posture surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is also evolving, with dialogues focusing on future plans for peace, including disarmament of Hamas and restructuring governance in Gaza. Such developments continue to be contentious, particularly among various factions within Israel, complicating any political resolutions.

Overall, the aftermath of this recent airstrike emphasizes the precarious conditions on the ground and the persistent cycle of violence that has gripped the region for decades.