Israel PM Declares Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar Killed in Major Strike

Netanyahu's announcement marks a pivotal moment in the long-standing hostilities between Israel and Hamas amid rising casualties.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have successfully "eliminated" Mohammed Sinwar, the head of Hamas in Gaza and the sibling of the late leader Yahya Sinwar. This announcement follows a determined military operation targeting Sinwar, which involved a substantial strike on the courtyard and surrounding areas of the European hospital in Khan Younis on May 13. The IDF claimed this attack compromised Hamas's key "underground infrastructure" within the region.

Reports from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry indicated that the airstrike resulted in 28 fatalities, although the organization has yet to officially confirm the death of Sinwar. This strike represents a marked escalation in Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas, which began in response to the group's cross-border assault on Israel 600 days ago. That attack resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and 251 individuals taken hostage.

Since the onset of the conflict, health officials in Gaza report that over 54,084 people have been killed, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing hostilities. The conflict, which has seen significant military actions and retaliations, continues to draw international attention and condemnation as investigations into the impacts of strikes, including those on civilian infrastructure such as healthcare facilities, unfold.

The death of Mohammed Sinwar may represent a crucial shift in Hamas's leadership and tactics as Israel continues its military efforts in the region.