IDF Confirms Elimination of Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar in Gaza Strike

IDF Announces the Death of Hamas Chief

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have reported the death of Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar, following a strike on May 13 at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, located in southern Gaza. This information was shared in a post on X by IDF officials. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declared the successful elimination of Sinwar. The IDF's post stated, 'We have 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 in Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of Sinwar, along with two other key figures, Muhammad Shabana and Mahdi Quara. Shabana was the commander of the Rafah Brigade, while Quara led the South Khan Younis Battalion. The joint statement highlighted that these individuals were targeted while operating from an underground command center beneath the European Hospital, putting the civilian population at risk.

Background on Mohammed Sinwar

Mohammed Sinwar assumed leadership of Hamas's military wing in 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. Israeli forces referred to Mohammed Sinwar as 'The Shadow' due to his secretive operations, including the abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. He was listed among Israel's most wanted individuals.