IDF Confirms Death of Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar in Gaza Strike

IDF Announces Elimination of Hamas Chief

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has reported the death of Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar, following a strike on May 13 at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, located in the southern Gaza Strip. This information was confirmed through a post on X by IDF officials. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also declared Sinwar's elimination. The IDF stated, 'We eliminated the Head of Hamas, again. He happens to be a Sinwar too.'

Details of the Operation

In a collaborative announcement, the IDF and Shin Bet security agency confirmed that the May 13 operation resulted in the deaths of Sinwar, along with two other key figures: Muhammad Shabana, the commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade, and Mahdi Quara, who led the South Khan Younis Battalion. The joint statement indicated that these individuals were targeted while operating from an underground command center beneath the European Hospital, which posed a risk to the civilian population nearby.

Background on Mohammed Sinwar

Mohammed Sinwar had been leading the military wing of Hamas since 1991. Born in the Khan Yunis refugee camp, he was the brother of Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in October 2024 during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Yahya was considered a key planner of the October 7 attack. Due to his secretive operations, Mohammed Sinwar earned the nickname 'The Shadow' and was involved in the abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. He was listed among Israel's most wanted individuals.