Qassam Brigades commander Raed Saad
Who is Raed Saad, Hamas military commander targeted in Gaza?
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Raed Saad has emerged again in regional headlines after the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) and the Shin Bet announced targeting him in an airstrike on Gaza City.
In a joint statement, IOF and the Shin Bet said the strike targeted a central Hamas figure involved in recent efforts to rehabilitate and manufacture weapons for the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas. Hebrew media later identified the target as Raed Saad.
Read more: 'Israel' targets Hamas commander in Gaza strike
Key figure in Hamas’ military leadership
Raed Saad is widely described as one of the most influential figures within the Qassam Brigades and is often referred to in 'Israeli' reports as the “shadow man” of Hamas’ military leadership. Some 'Israeli' assessments describe him as the fourth-ranking figure in the armed wing, while others identify him as the deputy head of Hamas’ military wing.
Saad is considered one of the founding members of the Qassam Brigades and has a long history within Hamas’ military structure.
Role in weapons production and operations
According to multiple reports, Saad oversees the manufacturing and operations division within the Qassam Brigades. This unit is responsible for developing and producing locally made weapons, including rockets, projectiles, and anti-armor systems, forming a key component of Hamas’ military capabilities.
Saad previously commanded the Gaza Brigade, one of the largest formations within the Qassam Brigades, during the period of ‘Israel’s’ withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005.
Repeated targeting and uncertainty
The latest strike follows previous attempts by ‘Israel’ to target Saad. In June 2024, 'Israeli' authorities announced that he had been killed, a claim later denied by Hamas.
He also reportedly survived a prior attempt to arrest him during the siege of the Al-Shifa Medical Complex.
'Israeli' estimates cited in Hebrew media suggest that the most recent assassination attempt may have been successful. However, Hamas has not issued any confirmation or denial.
As Hamas continues its policy of ambiguity regarding the status of its senior leaders, the fate of Raed Saad remains unconfirmed following the latest Gaza strike.
