Hamas confirms five leaders killed, including 'masked spokesperson' in major blow to terror group

Hamas confirmed the deaths of five senior leaders, representing a significant blow to the organization during the Gaza war. Among those killed were Mohammed al-Sinwar, brother of Yahya al-Sinwar, who held a senior wartime command role, and Abu Obeida, the masked spokesperson for the al-Qassam Brigades, whose real name was revealed as Hudhayfa Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout. Also confirmed dead were Raed Saad, a high-ranking commander involved in planning the October 7th attack, Mohammed Shabanah, head of the Rafah Brigade, and Hakam al-Issa, a founder of the al-Qassam Brigades. Israel had previously announced the deaths, which occurred in separate airstrikes in Gaza throughout the year, but this marks the first official confirmation from Hamas.

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, the Israeli military conducted a missile strike in Gaza, killing Raed Saad, a top commander in Hamas's Qassam Brigades. A senior Hamas official confirmed Saad's death, the most high-profile assassination since a cease-fire agreement two months prior. Israel claims Saad was responsible for weapons production and the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel. Hamas condemned the strike, accusing Israel of violating the cease-fire and targeting a civilian vehicle, while stating that the Palestinian people alone would decide who governs them. The Qassam Brigades acknowledged that Saad was killed alongside other militants.

On December 14, 2025, Israel killed Raed Saad, a senior Hamas commander, in a strike in Gaza that also resulted in the deaths of four other individuals and injuries to 25 Palestinians. Hamas confirmed Saad's death and stated that the strike was a violation of the US-brokered ceasefire. Hamas is calling on the United States, specifically former President Trump, to compel Israel to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. The incident occurred amidst already strained ceasefire conditions between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza region.

Hamas confirmed that senior commander Raed Saad was killed in an Israeli attack in Gaza, according to a video statement by Hamas's Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya on Sunday, December 14, 2025. The Israeli military had announced Saad's death on Saturday, stating the attack occurred near Gaza City, wounding at least 25 others. Al-Hayya accused Israel of violating the October ceasefire agreement and called on mediators, especially the US, to enforce the deal. Hamas claims Israel has attacked Gaza nearly 800 times since the ceasefire, killing at least 386 people, and has restricted humanitarian aid, violating the truce's terms. The UN General Assembly has demanded Israel allow humanitarian access to Gaza and comply with international law.

On Saturday, December 13, 2025, Israel stated it killed Raed Saad, a senior Hamas commander in Gaza, in a targeted strike on a car in Gaza City. Israel claims Saad helped plan the October 7, 2023, attack that initiated the two-year war. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated he and the defense minister ordered the assassination. Hamas, while not confirming Saad's death, condemned the attack as a breach of the cease-fire established in mid-October. The strike, which killed four people, threatens the already fragile truce between Israel and Hamas.

On Saturday, Israel conducted a strike in Gaza City, reportedly killing a senior Hamas commander. The Israeli military stated they targeted a "key Hamas terrorist," while Hamas officials reported four deaths and multiple injuries. Local sources suggest the target was Raed Saad, a senior commander in Hamas's Qassam Brigades and a member of its military council. Israel has attempted to kill Saad for over two decades, including a raid in March 2024. The attack occurred on the Palestinian-controlled side of the Yellow Line dividing Gaza since an unstable ceasefire began in October. The strike comes amidst ongoing conflict following the October 7th attacks on Israel and subsequent Israeli military action in Gaza, which has resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

The Israeli military announced the killing of Raed Saed, a senior Hamas commander, in a Gaza City strike on Saturday. The strike, which killed four and wounded at least 25, was reportedly in response to a Hamas explosive device that injured Israeli soldiers. Israeli officials described Saed as a key figure in Hamas's weapons manufacturing and one of the architects of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. While there was no immediate confirmation from Hamas, sources within the group have identified Saed as a high-ranking commander within their armed wing. The incident marks the most significant assassination of a senior Hamas figure since the ceasefire in October, amid ongoing violence despite the truce.