Ceasefire Under Threat: Israeli Assassination Sparks Tensions

Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas' chief negotiator, warns that Israel's targeted assassination of a senior Hamas commander endangers the current ceasefire agreement. The killing of Raed Saed, a top figure, has heightened tensions. Hamas calls on the U.S. to ensure Israel respects the truce, amid discussions on deploying an international force.

Hamas' chief negotiator, Khalil Al-Hayya, expressed grave concerns on Sunday about the sustainability of the current truce following a targeted assassination by Israel. The attack, which claimed the life of senior Hamas commander Raed Saed on Saturday, threatens to destabilize the fragile peace in the enclave.

In a televised statement, Al-Hayya, who also serves as the exile Gaza Hamas chief, confirmed Saed's death, marking the highest-profile assassination of a Hamas leader since the U.S.-supported Gaza ceasefire took effect last October.

Highlighting the risks posed by continued Israeli actions and breaches of the ceasefire, Al-Hayya strongly urged mediators, particularly the U.S. and President Donald Trump, to compel Israel to adhere to the agreement. He also discussed the possible deployment of a U.N.-authorized International Stabilization Force, emphasizing its role in maintaining the ceasefire along Gaza's borders without intervening in internal matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)