Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas' military leader in Gaza and younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, was killed in an Israeli operation earlier this month. The announcement, delivered to the Knesset, marks the latest high-profile killing of Hamas leadership amid Israel's ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu stated, "We eliminated Mohammad Deif, Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Sinwar." He added that Israel is entering "a dramatic turn towards a complete defeat of Hamas."
Sinwar's body was reportedly discovered in a tunnel in Khan Yunis alongside ten aides following a targeted Israeli airstrike on May 13. The strike killed at least 16 people and wounded 70 others, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. While Israel had previously indicated it believed Sinwar was killed, this was the first formal confirmation from Netanyahu.
Mohammed Sinwar took command of Hamas' Gaza operations and the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades after Yahya Sinwar-deemed the mastermind behind the October 7 attacks-was killed in an Israeli strike in October. The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet have said Yahya Sinwar "was responsible for the murder and abduction of many Israelis."
Mohammed Sinwar's death could complicate ceasefire negotiations. As Gaza's top commander, he likely held authority over decisions related to hostage releases and military de-escalation. His killing may impact U.S. and Arab-led mediation efforts, already hindered by deep divisions among Hamas' political and military factions.
Hamas has not issued a public statement confirming his death. Reuters reported that Izz al-Din Haddad, a senior Hamas figure in northern Gaza, is likely to assume leadership.
In the past 48 hours, the Israeli military reported hitting "dozens of targets throughout the Gaza strip," including anti-tank missile posts and weapons depots. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not halt operations until Hamas is defeated and the remaining 58 hostages from October 7 are returned.
Palestinian officials say the conflict has now killed nearly 54,000 people, including thousands of children.
During his Knesset address, Netanyahu also said Israel was "taking control of food distribution" in Gaza. His remarks referenced a new U.S.-backed humanitarian initiative in the south, which saw its first distribution center opened in Rafah.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, one person was killed and 48 injured when shots were fired as crowds overran the aid site. Thousands of desperate residents looted food boxes before Israeli troops reportedly fired into the air to restore order.
