The IDF eliminated arch-terrorist Ra’ad Saad, one of the chief architects of the October 7 massacre and the second-highest-ranking figure in Hamas’s military leadership.

Saad was traveling in a vehicle in western Gaza City on Shabbos when the Israeli Air Force dropped a bomb on the car, killing him instantly.

Saad was among the founders of Hamas’s military wing and a member of its small, senior military council in Gaza. He headed the organization’s production headquarters, overseeing the manufacture of rocket launchers, missiles, and anti-tank weapons.

He was one of the closest associates of Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif, the two most senior Hamas figures in the Strip at the start of the war. In the past, he served as head of Hamas’ operations division and commander of the Gaza Brigade.

He is considered the mastermind behind the “Jericho Wall” plan, a 39-page operational blueprint that laid the groundwork for the October 7 massacre.

Saad had long been considered a prime target, and this was not the first attempt to kill him. In November 2023, the IDF offered an $800,000 reward for information leading to his elimination, distributing leaflets across the Gaza Strip. He survived several Israeli attempts to eliminate him, most recently in June 2024.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said in a joint statement, “In response to the activation of a Hamas explosive device that wounded our forces today in the Yellow Line of the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz instructed to thwart the terrorist Raed Saad, head of Hamas’s force building headquarters.

“Saad was one of the architects of the October 7 massacre. In recent days, he was engaged in rehabilitating the terrorist organization, planning and executing attacks against Israel, and rebuilding a strike force, in blatant violation of the ceasefire framework and Hamas’s commitments to respect President Trump’s plan.

“Instead of promoting demilitarization, he pursued rearmament for acts of terrorism. Anyone who raises a hand against Israel and harms IDF soldiers—his hand will be cut off, in Gaza and everywhere.”

The IDF spokesperson stated, “Saad was one of the last remaining veteran senior terrorists in the Gaza Strip and a close associate of Marwan Issa, the deputy head of Hamas’ military wing. He held several senior positions and was a central figure within the organization’s military leadership.”

“He was responsible for the deaths of many soldiers through explosive devices manufactured by Hamas’ weapons production units during the war.”

“In recent months, Sa’ad played a leading role in Hamas’ military wing, including direct involvement in violating the ceasefire agreement. He also oversaw the continued production of weapons in the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire period.”

“His elimination significantly degrades Hamas’ ability to reestablish its capabilities.”

(YWN’s Jerusalem desk is keeping you updated after tzeis ha’Shabbos in Israel)