Hamas has expressed serious concerns regarding the sustainability of the recent truce in the Gaza Strip following the targeted killing of senior commander Raed Saed by Israeli forces. In a televised address, Khalil al-Hayya, the chief negotiator for Hamas and also an exiled leader, confirmed the details of the assassination, which took place on November 1, 2023. This incident marks the most significant assassination of a high-profile Hamas figure since the US-backed ceasefire agreement was established in October.
Al-Hayya stated, “The continued Israeli violations to the ceasefire agreement … and the latest assassinations that targeted Saed and others threaten the viability of the agreement.” He urged international mediators, particularly the United States and President Donald Trump, to pressure Israel into upholding the ceasefire.
According to Hamas sources, Raed Saed served as the second-in-command of the group’s armed wing, following Izz el-Deen Al-Hadad. Israeli officials have characterized Saed as a principal architect of the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which initiated the current conflict. The assassination has heightened tensions and raised questions about the future of the fragile peace.
International Response and Future Peace Initiatives
Al-Hayya also commented on the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF), which aims to maintain order along the Gaza border. He emphasized that the role of international forces should strictly involve overseeing the ceasefire and should not extend to internal matters within Gaza. “The role of the international forces should be limited to maintaining the ceasefire and separating the two sides along Gaza borders,” he said.
The deployment of the ISF is a central component of the next phase of Trump’s peace plan. Following the initial phase, which commenced on October 10, 2023, a tenuous ceasefire was established, allowing for the release of hostages by Hamas and the freeing of detained Palestinians by Israel.
In a further development, the US Central Command has scheduled a conference in Doha on December 16, 2023, with partner nations to strategize the implementation of the International Stabilisation Force in the region. This meeting comes amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of the current ceasefire and the potential for renewed violence.
The situation remains fluid, with Hamas and other groups closely monitoring Israeli actions while international observers await the outcomes of upcoming diplomatic efforts. As the conflict continues, the implications of these events will be felt not just in Gaza, but across the broader Middle East and beyond.
