IDF officials told Almog Boker that Hamas violated the ceasefire earlier on December 13, 2025, but top commander Raad Saad was targeted in a Gaza City airstrike regardless, after a long wait for the operational opportunity. The update followed a conversation with IDF sources, reported between 1:46 PM and 2:16 PM UTC. The airstrike hit a jeep in western Gaza City during the prior reporting window from 11:46 AM to 1:46 PM UTC, according to an earlier IDF statement. Officials emphasized the strike was authorized immediately upon the opportunity arising, independent of the violation. Saad led Hamas weapons production and restoration in Gaza, ranking as number two after Ezz ad-Din Al-Hadad, per Israeli security sources. The IDF and Shin Bet had attempted the operation twice in the past two weeks without success. Palestinian media reported at least three killed in the strike, which occurred on the Hamas-controlled side of the Gaza ceasefire line.
