Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed the identification of Hamas military leader Mohammed Sinwar's body found in Khan Younis, raising questions over the utilization of civilian infrastructure by the group amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israel Confirms Death of Hamas Chief Mohammed Sinwar
Israel Confirms Death of Hamas Chief Mohammed Sinwar
The Israeli military identifies the body of Mohammed Sinwar, the military leader of Hamas, in a recently discovered tunnel beneath a hospital in Khan Younis.
In a significant development, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have announced the identification of Mohammed Sinwar, the military leader of Hamas, whose body was discovered in a tunnel located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. The IDF confirmed the identity through DNA tests, although Hamas has yet to publicly acknowledge his death.
The IDF reported that Sinwar's body, found alongside that of Mohammad Sabaneh, commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade, was part of a larger discovery in the underground network. Additional intelligence findings and personal items belonging to both leaders were also recovered, which the military stated would aid further investigations.
Footage released by the IDF depicted the entrance to the tunnel, which was accessed through freshly disturbed soil at the hospital. The video showcased a series of narrow corridors leading to various rooms, some cluttered with items such as clothing, furniture, and a rifle. An additional video showed the process of retrieving Sinwar's body from the tunnel.
IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin commented on Hamas's tactics, asserting, "This is another example of the cynical use by Hamas, using civilians as human shields, using civilian infrastructure, hospitals, again and again." Israel has consistently accused Hamas of using hospitals as operational bases, a claim that Hamas denies.
The IDF's intensification of military operations in Gaza, including sieges on medical facilities, has resulted in a grave humanitarian situation and raised international concern. Hospitals are reported to be on the brink of collapse due to ongoing assaults, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighting the importance of protecting medical personnel and facilities under international humanitarian law.
This escalation in military action follows the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and over 250 hostages taken by Hamas. Since the resumption of hostilities, more than 54,880 individuals have died in Gaza, according to reports from the Hamas-run health ministry.
Mohammed Sinwar was a key figure within Hamas since its establishment in the late 1980s, ascending to leadership roles over the years and reportedly played a significant part in orchestrating the recent assault. The continued fighting underscores Israel's commitment to dismantling Hamas while attempting to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
The IDF reported that Sinwar's body, found alongside that of Mohammad Sabaneh, commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade, was part of a larger discovery in the underground network. Additional intelligence findings and personal items belonging to both leaders were also recovered, which the military stated would aid further investigations.
Footage released by the IDF depicted the entrance to the tunnel, which was accessed through freshly disturbed soil at the hospital. The video showcased a series of narrow corridors leading to various rooms, some cluttered with items such as clothing, furniture, and a rifle. An additional video showed the process of retrieving Sinwar's body from the tunnel.
IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin commented on Hamas's tactics, asserting, "This is another example of the cynical use by Hamas, using civilians as human shields, using civilian infrastructure, hospitals, again and again." Israel has consistently accused Hamas of using hospitals as operational bases, a claim that Hamas denies.
The IDF's intensification of military operations in Gaza, including sieges on medical facilities, has resulted in a grave humanitarian situation and raised international concern. Hospitals are reported to be on the brink of collapse due to ongoing assaults, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighting the importance of protecting medical personnel and facilities under international humanitarian law.
This escalation in military action follows the October 7, 2023, cross-border attack, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and over 250 hostages taken by Hamas. Since the resumption of hostilities, more than 54,880 individuals have died in Gaza, according to reports from the Hamas-run health ministry.
Mohammed Sinwar was a key figure within Hamas since its establishment in the late 1980s, ascending to leadership roles over the years and reportedly played a significant part in orchestrating the recent assault. The continued fighting underscores Israel's commitment to dismantling Hamas while attempting to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
