Overview
- Israel says an airstrike on a vehicle in Gaza killed Raad (Raed) Saad, described by officials as a key figure in Hamas operations, in retaliation for an explosive that injured two soldiers near the Yellow Line.
- Hamas confirmed Saad’s death, identified him as head of its weapons-production unit, announced a replacement, and asserted a right to respond.
- Hospital officials and reporters documented multiple additional deaths and injuries from the strike, while Hamas held a large funeral procession in Gaza City.
- U.S. officials plan a Dec. 16 CENTCOM conference in Doha with partners to outline an international stabilization force intended to help uphold the fragile truce.
- Regional frictions persist as Israel reports ongoing limited strikes in Gaza and says it has killed about 380 suspected Hezbollah members since the 2024 Lebanon ceasefire, with new incidents reported in south Lebanon and the West Bank.