Overview
- Hamas confirmed Saad’s death, said a new commander has been appointed, and warned the ceasefire is at risk.
- Israel described the strike as a response to a Hamas explosive that injured soldiers and portrayed Saad as a key weapons chief and architect of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack.
- The vehicle strike in western Gaza killed at least four people, according to local hospitals, and thousands later joined a funeral procession in Gaza City.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the first phase of the ceasefire plan is nearing completion and linked next steps to the return of Ran Gvili’s remains and Hamas demilitarization.
- U.S. Central Command scheduled a Dec. 16 meeting in Doha with partner nations on a potential stabilization force, as Israeli actions in southern Lebanon and new West Bank clashes further strain the truce.