Israel Claims Killing Of Top Hamas Commander Mohammed Sinwar In Gaza Strike

 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that a recent airstrike killed Mohammed Sinwar, the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza and brother of the group’s former chief Yahya Sinwar. The targeted killing marks another high-profile blow to Hamas’ leadership but is not expected to immediately loosen the group’s grip on power.

Netanyahu revealed the news during a speech in the Knesset, marking 600 days since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that sparked Israel’s full-scale war in Gaza. He stated that Sinwar had been eliminated along with other key Hamas figures, including Mohammed Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, and Yahya Sinwar.

Despite the announcement, there has been no formal confirmation from the Israeli military or defense officials. Netanyahu’s statement also comes as protests intensify across Israel, with citizens demanding a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Netanyahu, however, reiterated his stance for “complete victory,” vowing to dismantle Hamas’ leadership and demilitarize Gaza.

The airstrike that reportedly killed Mohammed Sinwar took place on May 13 at the European Hospital in Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it targeted a Hamas command center in the hospital’s underground infrastructure. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that dozens were killed and injured in the strike. Hamas initially denied reports of Sinwar’s death, asserting that only the group could confirm or deny such claims.

Mohammed Sinwar was seen as a hardline military strategist, and his loss would be a blow to Hamas’ battlefield coordination. Analysts caution, however, that it may hinder ongoing ceasefire negotiations by further decentralizing Hamas' leadership structure within Gaza.

According to Israeli assessments, Mohammed Sinwar was deeply involved in planning the October 7 attacks and took over leadership responsibilities following the death of his brother Yahya. His military background included leading the Khan Younis Brigade and playing a key role in the 2006 abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Footage and reports over recent months placed him in underground tunnels and command centers, avoiding detection.

Despite Israel’s targeted strikes that have eliminated several top Hamas figures, experts note the group has retained operational capabilities. The IDF has repeatedly returned to previously cleared areas of Gaza as Hamas regroups and recruits replacements. A January estimate from the IDF suggested the group had lost up to 20,000 fighters, yet continued to launch attacks and maintain control over portions of the Strip.

Analysts including Muhammad Shehada of the European Council on Foreign Relations argue that Hamas has been severely weakened and now operates more like a guerrilla force. He warns, however, that Sinwar’s killing may complicate diplomacy by reducing trust in negotiations and fragmenting Hamas’ leadership.

Some believe Sinwar’s death could create space for more moderate Hamas leaders, such as Khalil al-Hayya, to gain influence, potentially opening new diplomatic pathways. Others remain skeptical, pointing to the group's resilience and deep-rooted control.

Mohammed Sinwar lived largely in the shadows, particularly after surviving an assassination attempt in 2003. According to security experts, he was intensely secretive and maintained a high level of operational security. His approach was defined by tactical discipline and aggressive military strategy.

While his death could mark a symbolic milestone for Israel, former National Security Advisor Yaakov Amidror warned that the war in Gaza is far from over. He suggested at least another year of conflict would be necessary to remove remaining Hamas fighters and infrastructure before a new governing system could be introduced.

Some observers now argue that the fate of Gaza may depend more on international pressure—particularly from Washington—than on any single figure within Hamas. Amos Harel, a security analyst at Haaretz, suggested that what matters most going forward is whether U.S. President Donald Trump can impose a diplomatic resolution on Netanyahu’s government.

As the conflict grinds on, the killing of Sinwar underscores Israel’s continued commitment to its military campaign and raises new questions about the path forward in Gaza—both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.