On Saturday, May 31st, the Israeli military confirmed that earlier this month, they had killed three Hamas leaders in an airstrike operation, including Hamas Gaza Strip chief Mohammed Sinwar.
This marks the first time the Israeli military has confirmed Sinwar’s death. The Israel Defense Forces described Sinwar as one of the most experienced and longest-serving members in the Hamas military department, noting his significant role in planning and executing the brutal massacre on October 7, 2023, where he served as the operation leader.
Prime Minister Netanyahu announced on Wednesday, the 28th, that Sinwar had been “eliminated.”
It is reported that Sinwar was killed in an airstrike on a hospital in southern Gaza on May 13th. He was the brother of Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the 2023 October attacks on Israel.
Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied Sinwar’s death.
The Israeli Defense Forces and the Shin Bet security agency confirmed that Sinwar was killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted an underground tunnel at the European Hospital in southern Gaza.
In a joint statement, the Defense Forces and Shin Bet said that this attack also resulted in the deaths of Rafah Brigade commander Muhammad Shabana and Southern Khan Younis Camp commander Mahdi Quara from the terrorist organization.
The Defense Forces stated, “These terrorists were eliminated while operating from the underground command and control center located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, endangering the safety of civilians inside and outside the hospital intentionally.”
The Israeli military mentioned that they took extensive intelligence measures to ensure precise targeting and to minimize civilian casualties.
The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that this attack caused the deaths of 28 Palestinians and injured over 50 people.