Israel confirms death of top Hamas leader Mohammad Sinwar in Gaza strike
PTC Web Desk: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially confirmed the death of Mohammad Sinwar, a senior Hamas commander and younger brother of the group’s former Gaza chief Yahya Sinwar. This announcement marks the first direct acknowledgment by Israel of Mohammad Sinwar’s killing, following earlier speculation that he had “probably” been eliminated.
According to Israeli intelligence, Mohammad Sinwar was killed in a precision strike targeting an underground command centre located beneath the European Hospital in southern Gaza. Reports also suggest that Mohammad Shabana, the commander of Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, was killed in the same operation.
Mohammad Sinwar had assumed a senior leadership position in southern Gaza after his brother Yahya Sinwar — who orchestrated the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel — was killed in an Israeli operation in October 2024. His death marked a pivotal moment in the war, further intensifying Israel’s offensive against Hamas.
A longtime member of Hamas’s military wing, Mohammad Sinwar was regarded as one of the group's most influential figures following Yahya’s demise. His rise in the leadership hierarchy made him a critical player in shaping Hamas’s military strategies and a major roadblock in ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations.
Netanyahu’s confirmation comes amid Israel’s broader military objective of dismantling Hamas’s command structure. In recent months, Israeli forces have reportedly eliminated several key leaders of the group, including top military strategist Mohammad Deif and political figure Ismail Haniyeh, in separate targeted operations.
Israel continues to assert that its campaign will not cease until Hamas is completely neutralised, following the deadly 2023 assault that plunged the region into ongoing conflict.
- With inputs from agencies
