Israeli Forces Target Hamas Command Center Beneath Gaza Hospital
On May 13, Israeli military forces conducted a precision strike on an underground infrastructure located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. This operation resulted in the deaths of 28 Palestinians, including key Hamas figures Muhammad Sinwar and Mohammad Sabaneh. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have since released a detailed 3D illustration depicting the hidden underground command-and-control compound, which they identified as a Hamas combat control center.
Details of the Operation and Infrastructure
The 3D visualization reveals that beneath the European Hospital, which provides medical treatment to Gazan civilians, an extensive tunnel system connects to a fortified command center. According to the IDF, this complex served as a strategic Hamas hub for directing militant activities.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Israel Securities Authority (ISA) and involved advanced technologies, intelligence gathering, and precise planning by the IDF Southern Command and the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The infrastructure's complexity necessitated meticulous precision to ensure the strike targeted militants exclusively while preserving the hospital's functionality.
The IDF emphasized that stringent measures were taken before and during the attack to minimize civilian casualties. These measures included the use of precision-guided munitions, aerial reconnaissance, and comprehensive intelligence monitoring.
Addressing the Use of Civilian Infrastructure
The Israeli military condemned Hamas for allegedly exploiting Gaza’s hospitals as cover for terrorist operations, thus endangering civilian lives. The IDF described such tactics as cynical and cruel, underscoring the challenges of conducting military operations in densely populated areas.
Confirmation of Sinwar's Death and Official Responses
On May 28, Israeli Prime Minister confirmed from the Knesset that Muhammad Sinwar, the Gaza chief of Hamas and younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, was eliminated during the operation. The Prime Minister noted that previous strikes had similarly eliminated other high-profile Hamas leaders including Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammed Deif, and Yahya Sinwar.
- Muhammad Sinwar: Senior Hamas leader killed in the May 13 strike.
- Mohammad Sabaneh: Another senior militant eliminated alongside Sinwar.
- Yahya Sinwar: Previously killed on October 17 during clashes with Israeli forces; he was implicated as a mastermind of the October 2023 attacks on Israel.
Although these claims have been publicly announced by Israeli officials, Hamas has yet to confirm the deaths of Muhammad Sinwar or Mohammad Sabaneh, and no official funeral or obituary has been issued.
Commitment to Ongoing Security Operations
The IDF and ISA reiterated their commitment to targeting terrorist organizations in Gaza to protect Israeli civilians. They continue to emphasize the importance of precise and intelligence-driven operations to limit collateral damage amid the conflict.
