• Israel confirms the killing of Raed Saad, a senior Hamas commander, in a drone strike in Gaza.
• The strike reportedly killed four individuals, escalating tensions amid an already fragile ceasefire.
• Israeli officials claim the act was in retaliation for explosive device detonations injuring Israeli soldiers.
• Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of breaching the ceasefire agreement established in October.
• The assassination of Saad marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict following a recent period of relative calm.

On December 13, Israel's military announced the killing of Raed Saad, considered a senior commander within Hamas's military wing, during a strike in Gaza City. Israeli officials described Saad as "one of the architects" of the deadly October 7 attacks that initiated the ongoing hostilities, highlighting his role in weapons production for the group, which has faced extensive military operations over the last two years. The strike reportedly resulted in the deaths of four people, with Hamas sources stating the total fatalities at five, indicating the strike's considerable impact on civilian life. This development further complicates the fragile ceasefire put in place on October 10, 2023, according to BBC, Middle East Eye, and LA Times.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated that the operation was a direct response to an explosion that injured two Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza earlier on the same day. They stated the elimination of Raed Saad was sanctioned due to his recent activities focused on rebuilding Hamas's capabilities. Officials within Hamas have confirmed Saad's death while condemning the strike as a violation of the ceasefire agreement, labelling it a blatant act of aggression, according to Channel News Asia, Le Monde, and CBS News.

The strike in the Tel al-Hawa district is reported to have caused injuries to more than 25 people, raising concerns about civilian casualties amidst ongoing military operations. This event is seen as a significant escalation in violence, coming just days after a period of relative calm following the ceasefire agreement. Israeli forces maintain that they are acting within their rights as per the agreement, citing Hamas's ongoing violations, while local health officials report a rising toll of over 70,000 deaths in Gaza since the outbreak of conflict. Reports suggest that the fragile truce, which has seen intermittent violations from both sides, is now under increasing strain, as highlighted by statements from health officials and military analysts, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.

Hamas's leadership, including Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, called for international intervention to uphold the ceasefire and has emphasized the continued suffering of Palestinians due to the ongoing violence. The assassination of Saad is expected to evoke further retaliatory responses from Hamas, complicating efforts towards a long-lasting peace in the region, as both sides prepare for potential escalations in their respective military strategies, according to India Times and India Times.