The IDF on Shabbat (Sabbath) eliminated Hamas terrorist Ra'ad Sa'ad, one of the architects of the October 7 massacre, in Gaza City.
Sa'ad, considered Hamas' number two, served as head of the Production Directorate, responsible for the independent manufacturing of rocket launchers, missiles, and anti-tank weapons. He was among the founders of Hamas’ military wing and a member of the group’s exclusive military council in Gaza. In the past, he served as head of the Operations Division and commander of the Gaza Brigade.
"In recent weeks, repeated attempts by the Hamas terrorist organization to carry out terrorist activity, including the use of explosive devices against IDF troops -activities that constitute a blatant violation of the agreement, as occurred this morning," the IDF related. "At the same time, the IDF identified attempts by Hamas to rehabilitate and rebuild its capabilities. The terrorist Ra’ad Sa’ad, who was eliminated in this strike, led Hamas’ force build-up, and his elimination significantly degrades Hamas’ ability to reestablish its capabilities."
"Sa’ad was one of the last remaining veteran senior terrorists in the Gaza Strip. He held a series of senior positions and was a close associate of Marwan Issa, Deputy Head of Hamas’ military wing.
"Among his roles, he established the Gaza City Brigade, commanded it, and worked to establish the naval force in the Gaza Strip. After completing his tenure as commander of the Gaza Brigade, he was appointed Head of the Operations Headquarters of the organization, within which he established the Nukhba Battalions and participated in the shaping and construction of the 'Jericho Wall' plan, upon which Hamas’ plans for the October 7th massacre were based.
"Subsequently, Sa’ad was appointed Head of the Weapons Production Headquarters and was responsible for the production of all types of weapons for Hamas’ military wing ahead of the October 7th massacre, and later also for the rehabilitation of Hamas’ weapons production capabilities during the war. Sa’ad is responsible for the deaths of many soldiers who were killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of explosive devices manufactured by the Weapons Production Headquarters during the war."
The IDF added, "Ra’ad Sa’ad was a leading figure in the leadership of Hamas’ military wing in recent months and was directly responsible for violations of the ceasefire agreement by the Hamas terrorist organization. In addition, in his role, he led the continued production of weapons in the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire."
"Hamas’ weapon production apparatus is responsible for manufacturing weapons for the organization’s military wing. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against the Hamas terrorist organization."
According to Saudi Arabian reports, Sa'ad was killed when three missiles were fired from the air at the vehicle in he was traveling. Additional reports stated that at least four people were killed in the strike and at least twenty were injured. Ra'ad Sa'ad was considered a major target, and this was not the first attempt to eliminate him.
A joint statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz read: "In response to the detonation of a Hamas explosive device that wounded our forces today in the yellow zone of the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the elimination of the terrorist Ra’ad Sa'ad, head of Hamas’ force-build-up directorate."
"Sa'ad was one of the architects of the October 7th massacre and had recently been involved in rebuilding the terror organization, planning and carrying out attacks against Israel, and reestablishing an offensive capability, in blatant violation of the ceasefire terms and Hamas’ commitments to respect President Trump’s plan.
"Instead of promoting demilitarization, he was working to rearm for acts of terror."
The statement stressed: "Anyone who raises a hand against Israel and harms IDF soldiers will have that hand cut off - whether in Gaza or anywhere else."
"On behalf of all Israeli citizens, the Prime Minister and Defense Minister wish a speedy recovery to our wounded fighters."
Hours before the attempted elimination, two IDF reserve soldiers were lightly injured as a result of an explosive device that detonated during an operation to clear the area of terrorist infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip.
The soldiers were evacuated to a hospital to receive medical treatment, and their families were notified.