Overview
- Hamas’s Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya publicly confirmed Saad’s death a day after the strike, following an initial statement that did not verify his killing.
- Israel says the strike was ordered after a Hamas explosive device wounded two soldiers in the Gaza Strip’s Yellow Area earlier Saturday.
- The IDF and Shin Bet describe Saad as Hamas’s weapons production chief and a planner of the October 7, 2023 attacks.
- Gaza health authorities report the vehicle strike near Gaza City killed multiple people and injured roughly 25, with reports ranging from four to five dead.
- Israeli officials and multiple outlets say this is the highest-profile killing since the October ceasefire, adding strain to negotiations tied to maintaining the truce.