Senior Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar Found Dead in Gaza Tunnel
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the discovery of the body of Mohammed Sinwar, a high-ranking Hamas commander, in a tunnel beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Sinwar was killed weeks ago during an Israeli airstrike on May 13.
A Closer Look at Mohammed Sinwar’s Role and Background
Mohammed Sinwar, aged 49, was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, considered the architect of the brutal October 7 attacks on Israel. Yahya himself was killed by IDF forces eight months ago. Both siblings were born and met their fate in the Khan Yunis area of Gaza.
Nicknamed “The Shadow” by Israeli intelligence for his elusive nature, Mohammed Sinwar had a notable history, including involvement in the 2011 prisoner exchange that secured Yahya Sinwar's release in return for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. He remained in hiding for years, even skipping his father’s funeral to avoid detection until Israeli intelligence finally tracked and targeted him.
Operation Uncovers Tunnel Command Center Beneath Hospital
The joint effort by the IDF and Shin Bet revealed that Sinwar and Rafah Brigade Commander Mohammad Shabaneh were killed inside an underground command center beneath the hospital. Alongside their bodies, authorities recovered various personal items, intelligence materials, and other remains. The military released footage showing the extraction of a body from the tunnel network beneath the hospital.
Strong Message to Remaining Hamas Leadership
Defense Minister Israel Katz hailed the operation's success, labeling Sinwar an “arch-murderer” and sending a stern warning to other Hamas leaders, including Gaza-based commander Az al-Din al-Haddad and Qatar-based figure Khalil al-Hayya, indicating they could be next in line.
The May 13 airstrike also claimed the lives of prominent Hamas figures Muhammad Shabana and Mahdi Kuwar.
Context of the Ongoing Conflict
The ferocious attack launched by Hamas on October 7 resulted in the deaths of at least 1,180 people and the abduction of 252 hostages. Authorities believe that out of the 55 hostages still held in Gaza, 32 are presumed deceased, highlighting the continuing human toll amid the conflict.
This discovery underscores the depth of Hamas's underground infrastructure and the intensity of the ongoing operations in Gaza, as Israeli forces push to dismantle the militant group's leadership and capabilities.
