Tel Aviv, Israel: Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on May 28, 2025, that Hamas' Gaza leader Muhammad Sinwar was killed by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in a precision drone strike conducted on May 14. Sinwar was targeted at an underground Hamas command center beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza.
Reports previously indicated that Sinwar had been critically injured in the airstrike, but confirmation of his death was not released until Netanyahu's announcement at the Knesset, Israel's parliament. According to Netanyahu, this operation is part of a broader campaign to systematically dismantle Hamas’ leadership during the ongoing conflict.
Muhammad Sinwar, a senior figure within Hamas, assumed leadership in Gaza following the death of his brother, Yahya Sinwar, in an IDF operation in October 2024. Yahya Sinwar had been the architect behind the infamous terrorist attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the recent escalation of hostilities. Prior to Muhammad and Yahya, Hamas’ leadership also suffered significant losses, including political chief Ismail Haniyeh and the military wing leader Muhammad Deif.
The targeted command center was located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. The IDF released footage showing the destruction of an extensive tunnel network leading to the facility, underscoring their precision in neutralizing underground Hamas infrastructure.
"We eliminated Muhammad Sinwar," Netanyahu stated, adding, "We had eliminated Ismail Haniyeh, Muhammad Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and now Muhammad Sinwar."
This announcement marks a significant blow to Hamas’ operational command in Gaza as Israel continues its campaign to weaken the militant organization amid ongoing hostilities. The deaths of several prominent Hamas leaders signal Israel’s intent to cripple the group’s ability to coordinate attacks from within the Gaza Strip.
The conflict, sparked by the October 2023 attacks, has seen repeated retaliatory strikes targeting Hamas infrastructure and leadership, with the IDF focusing efforts on underground facilities used by the militants.
