Hamas Condemns Israel's Assassination of Senior Commander as a Threat to Ceasefire
The assassination of Hamas's senior commander, Raed Saed, and his associates by Israeli forces has sparked outrage among Hamas supporters. The incident occurred on December 14, 2025, in Gaza City, where thousands of mourners gathered for the funeral, chanting 'Martyrs are dear to God' and carrying the bodies in green Hamas flags. This event marks a significant challenge to the U.S.-backed ceasefire deal that came into effect in October, as it was the highest-profile assassination of a senior Hamas figure since the truce.
In a televised address, Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas's five-man high leadership council, emphasized the threat to the ceasefire agreement. He stated, 'The continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement... and the latest assassinations that targeted Saed and others threaten the viability of the agreement.' Hayya called on the U.S. administration and President Donald Trump to intervene and compel Israel to respect the ceasefire and honor its commitments.
The assassination of Saed, described as the second-in-command of Hamas's armed wing, is seen as a significant blow to the group. Israel accuses Saed of being a key architect of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing conflict. Since the ceasefire, Israeli forces have maintained control over the eastern half of Gaza, while Hamas has reasserted its authority in the western half, where the majority of the population resides.
The conflicting demands of the warring sides have yet to find a resolution. Israel insists on Hamas's disarmament and prohibition from future governance in Gaza, while Hamas refuses to give up its arms and calls for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. The agreement proposes a U.N.-authorised International Stabilization Force to maintain peace, but its role is still under debate.
The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation. The assassination of Saed and the subsequent reactions from both sides highlight the complexities and challenges in achieving a lasting ceasefire in the region.
