The leader of Hamas in Gaza, Mohammed Sinwar, was reportedly killed by Israeli airstrikes this week.
The Context
Sinwar is the brother of the previous Hamas leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024.
Following Yahya Sinwar’s death, Mohammed Sinwar took over as the head of Hamas in Gaza, according to reports.
What To Know
Saudi outlet Al-Hadath reports said Sinwar’s body was found inside a tunnel in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, alongside the remains of 10 aides.
Mohammed Shabana, commander of the Rafah Brigade, was also killed in the strikes alongside Sinwar, the report added.
At the time of writing the death was yet to be officially confirmed. However, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Sunday that evidence was mounting that the Gaza chief may be dead, according to The Jerusalem Post.
Newsweek contacted Israel’s Defense Ministry for comment on Sunday.
On Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched strikes on a tunnel hideout beneath a hospital in Gaza, this along with attacks on another hospital, were reportedly in an effort to target Sinwar.
Reports earlier this week said the strike on one of the hospitals killed 28, citing the Hamas-run civil defense agency.
The IDF announced Friday that it had launched assaults and deployed troops to capture areas in the Gaza Strip.
Following days of heavy Israeli bombardment, Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported Saturday that more than 150 people were killed and 459 injured in the preceding 24 hours.
What People Are Saying
Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a closed-door meeting, according to The Wall Street Journal: “Based on all indications, Mohammed Sinwar was killed.”
The Israel Defense Forces wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: “The IDF has begun conducting extensive strikes and mobilizing troops to achieve operational control in the areas of Gaza, over the past day.
“This is part of preparations to expand operations and fulfill the objectives of the war—including the release of hostages and the dismantling of the Hamas terrorist organization.
“IDF troops will continue to operate in order to protect Israeli civilians and achieve the objectives of the war.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on X: “The situation for Palestinians in Gaza is beyond description, beyond atrocious and beyond inhumane.”
What Happens Next
On May 5, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was planning an expanded offensive against Hamas after his security cabinet approved measures that could lead to a full takeover of the Gaza Strip.
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