On May 13, 2025, Israeli forces targeted an underground Hamas facility beneath the European Hospital in Gaza's Khan Younis, reportedly killing Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas military commander. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later confirmed the elimination of Sinwar, the younger brother of the late Yahya Sinwar, a prominent Hamas leader.
Mohammed Sinwar’s death follows the killing of his brother Yahya seven months earlier during an Israeli operation in Rafah, bringing a close to a significant chapter in Hamas’s leadership.
The Sinwar Brothers: From Refugee Camp to Hamas Leadership
Born in the Khan Younis refugee camp, Yahya Sinwar (born 1962) and Mohammed Sinwar (born 1975) endured the hardships of occupation and military conflict that shaped their militant paths. While Yahya rose as a political strategist within Hamas, Mohammed became a clandestine military commander known for orchestrating operations and overseeing arms smuggling.
The Gilad Shalit Kidnapping and Its Aftermath
Mohammed played a key role in the 2006 cross-border raid that resulted in the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. This operation led to a protracted five-year negotiation culminating in a prisoner exchange deal in 2011. Shalit was released in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including Yahya Sinwar, who became an emblematic figure for Palestinian resistance during his incarceration.
Mohammed Sinwar’s Leadership and the 2023 Hamas Offensive
After Yahya’s release, Mohammed Sinwar commanded the Hamas Khan Younis Brigade, tasked with military training, weapons smuggling, and planning attacks against Israel. Israeli intelligence nicknamed him “The Ghost” due to his elusive tactics.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale assault on Israel, resulting in severe casualties. Both Sinwar brothers were implicated in planning the offensive. The subsequent Israeli military campaign intensified, leading to targeted killings of senior Hamas figures. Yahya Sinwar was killed in combat in October 2024, followed by Mohammed’s death in the recent May 2025 strike.
The Impact and Future of Hamas Leadership
The deaths of the Sinwar brothers signify a major shift in Hamas’s command structure. Mohammed is believed to have assumed broader military control following Yahya’s death. Israeli forces continue to focus on dismantling Hamas leadership amid ongoing conflict.
