ALBAWABA- Tensions between Washington and Jerusalem escalated sharply after Israel assassinated senior Hamas military commander Raed Saad in Gaza on Saturday without notifying the United States, prompting a stern White House rebuke.
India’s Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar removes Muslim doctor’s hijab at official ceremonyAccording to Axios, U.S. officials viewed the strike as a violation of the fragile ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump in October, warning that unilateral action could undermine the landmark agreement.
Israel defended the operation, saying Saad, head of Hamas’ weapons production and a key planner of the October 7, 2023 attacks, was rebuilding Hamas forces in defiance of the truce.
The strike also killed three aides. Netanyahu’s office emphasized it was a necessary response to Hamas attacks and weapons smuggling.
The killing has strained U.S.-Israel relations, stalled progress on regional stabilization, and complicated efforts to expand the Abraham Accords.
Arab leaders expressed distrust, while Hamas confirmed Saad’s death, warning it “threatens the viability” of the ceasefire and urging Trump to enforce compliance.
A pivotal Trump-Netanyahu meeting at Mar-a-Lago on December 29 is now seen as critical to determining the future of the Gaza agreement.
