On Saturday, Israel reported the elimination of Ra’ad Sa’ad, a pivotal figure in Hamas’ military operations known for his role in orchestrating the events of October 7. Sa’ad was identified as the Head of the Weapons Production Headquarters within Hamas’ military branch.

According to a statement on X by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Sa’ad was among the few remaining seasoned militants in Gaza, closely linked to Marwan Issa, the deputy leader of Hamas’ military division. His tenure in various key roles made him integral to the group’s military strategy.

The IDF emphasized that Sa’ad’s demise considerably undermines Hamas’ efforts to restore its operational strength.

In a related context, Palestinian Hamas members were seen on duty during a hostage exchange on February 22, 2025, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, following a ceasefire and prisoner swap arrangement between Hamas and Israel. (Hatem Khaled/File Photo/Reuters)

An IDF representative informed Fox News that Sa’ad had been attempting to revive the group’s weaponry capabilities, flouting a ceasefire mediated by the U.S. The representative noted that under this agreement, Israel retains the right to target individuals actively engaged in terrorist activities.

Sa’ad previously commanded the Gaza Brigade and was a founding member of Hamas’ military section, as conveyed by the IDF to Fox News. Recognized as one of the highest-ranking figures remaining in Gaza, he was deeply involved in planning the tragic events of October 7.

Israel announced on Dec. 13 that it had killed Ra’ad Sa’ad, one of the architects of the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks. (IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)

The IDF and ISA said in a joint statement that Sa’ad was responsible for the deaths of many soldiers killed in Gaza by explosives that the Weapons Production Headquarters manufactured during the war.

Hamas terrorists stand in formation as Palestinians gather on a street to watch the handover of three Israeli hostages to a Red Cross team in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on Feb. 8, 2025.  (Majdi Fathi/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“Ra’ad Sa’ad was a leading figure in the leadership of Hamas’ military wing in recent months and was directly responsible for violations of the ceasefire agreement by the Hamas terrorist organization,” the IDF and ISA said in a joint statement.