Israeli Military Confirms Mohammad Sinwar's Death
The Israeli military officially confirmed the death of Mohammad Sinwar, the Hamas chief in Gaza, resulting from an airstrike conducted on May 13, 2025. This announcement followed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's assertion made three days prior regarding Sinwar's demise.
Details of the Airstrike
The airstrike targeted an underground command and control center beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The Israeli military and the Shin Bet security agency jointly stated that in addition to Mohammad Sinwar, two other senior Hamas commanders—Muhammad Shabana, leader of the Rafah Brigade, and Mahdi Quara, commander of the South Khan Younis Battalion—were also killed in the strike.
A spokesperson described the targeted area as compromising civilian safety due to the militants operating beneath a hospital, thereby using civilians as shields.
Background on Mohammad Sinwar and Hamas Leadership Losses
Mohammad Sinwar was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, a prominent Hamas leader who was believed to have orchestrated the October 2023 attacks on Israel. The loss of Mohammad Sinwar represents a significant blow to Hamas, which has faced relentless Israeli operations aimed at dismantling its leadership and operational capabilities over the past 20 months.
Previously, key Hamas figures such as military chief Mohammad Deif and political leader Ismail Haniyeh were neutralized in July 2024. Yahya Sinwar himself was killed in October 2024 while leading operations in Gaza, after refusing to relocate to Qatar like many other senior leaders.
Following Yahya Sinwar's death, Mohammad Sinwar was informally regarded as his successor by Hamas operatives, taking on leadership responsibilities amid the ongoing conflict.
Implications and Current Status
Prime Minister Netanyahu declared the elimination of major Hamas figures, highlighting Israel's intensified efforts to dismantle the organization's leadership structure. So far, Hamas has not officially acknowledged the killing of Mohammad Sinwar.
This development is part of a broader Israeli campaign to neutralize Hamas commanders operating within densely populated civilian zones, which complicates the tactical and humanitarian landscape of the conflict.
