Israel’s PM declares Hamas leader, Mohammed Sinwar, dead

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, announced that the country’s military has “eliminated” Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas’s leader in Gaza and brother of the group’s former leader, Yahya Sinwar.

Mohammed Sinwar had long been one of Israel’s most wanted figures due to his senior role in the militant organization.

According to the Israeli military, Mohammed Sinwar was killed in a major airstrike carried out on May 13.

The strike targeted the courtyard and nearby areas of the European Hospital in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza.

Israel stated that the operation successfully destroyed Hamas’s underground infrastructure located in that vicinity.

The targeted area was believed to be a key Hamas stronghold and part of its hidden network used for operations and sheltering high-level members.

At the time of the strike, the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza reported that 28 individuals were killed in the incident.

However, there was no immediate confirmation from Hamas regarding Mohammed Sinwar’s fate.

The group has neither verified nor denied the Israeli claims about his death.

Also, independent verification remains difficult due to limited access to the region.

Mohammed Sinwar’s brother, Yahya Sinwar, was also a high-ranking figure in Hamas.

He was held responsible for planning and executing the major assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.

That attack marked one of the deadliest days in Israeli history.

Around 1,200 people were killed, and another 251 individuals were taken hostage during the cross-border incursion by Hamas fighters.

The Israeli government responded swiftly and forcefully, launching a sustained military campaign targeting Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Yahya Sinwar was reported killed by Israeli forces in October 2023, just weeks after the deadly assault he orchestrated.

His death was considered a significant blow to Hamas, as he had played a central role in the group’s leadership and operations.

In the months since the initial attack, Israel has continued its campaign in Gaza, focused on dismantling Hamas’s military and command structures.

Netanyahu’s announcement about Mohammed Sinwar’s death is the latest in a series of claims that key Hamas leaders have been targeted and eliminated in the conflict.

The war between Israel and Hamas has now stretched over 600 days and has had a devastating impact, particularly on Gaza.

According to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 54,000 people have died in Gaza since the conflict began.

The true extent of casualties and destruction is reportedly difficult to verify.

However, the toll on civilians has been substantial, with heavy bombardments causing widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and medical facilities.

Israel’s strategy has involved striking what it describes as Hamas’s command centers, weapons depots, and tunnel systems hidden beneath civilian areas, which has drawn criticism and concern from international observers.

The targeting of the European Hospital area in Khan Younis is one such example.

It raised questions about the safety of civilians and medical workers amid the fighting.

Despite mounting pressure from humanitarian organizations and foreign governments for a ceasefire or negotiated resolution, the conflict shows little sign of slowing down.

Netanyahu’s announcement may be intended to reinforce Israel’s message that it is successfully degrading Hamas’s leadership and operational capabilities.

However, the continued fighting and the uncertainty around the deaths of high-profile Hamas leaders like Mohammed Sinwar reflect the complexity and intensity of the war.

With no clear end in sight, both sides remain entrenched.

Israel continues to pursue what it describes as a mission to ensure long-term security and to prevent future attacks.

On the other hand, Hamas maintains its resistance, even as its leadership structure appears to suffer significant blows.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, and the possibility of lasting peace remains elusive.

In the meantime, the fate of the remaining hostages taken during the October 7 attack remains a major concern for Israel and the international community.

While some have been released or rescued, many are still believed to be held in Gaza under harsh conditions.

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