Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday confirmed the killing of Hamas Gaza chief Mohammad Sinwar, one of Israel’s most wanted and the younger brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was also previously killed by Israeli forces.

Israel had earlier said it had “probably” killed Mohammad Sinwar, with Netanyahu’s latest comments marking the first direct confirmation of his death.

The Israeli strike that reportedly killed Mohammad Sinwar targeted an underground command compound beneath the European Hospital in southern Gaza, where he was believed to be hiding. There were also reports that Mohammad Shabana, commander of Hamas’s Rafah Brigade, was killed in the same strike.

Mohammad Sinwar had stepped into a senior leadership role in Gaza’s south after the death of his brother Yahya Sinwar in October 2024. Yahya had masterminded the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. His death marked a turning point in Israel’s military campaign, which has vowed to wipe off Hamas completely.

Mohammad Sinwar had long been part of Hamas’s military wing and was considered one of its most senior commanders. After Yahya's death, he rose further in the ranks, becoming a key figure in Hamas’s leadership and a major obstacle to negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release.

Throughout the war, Israel has focused on eliminating Hamas’s top leadership. Besides the Sinwar brothers, Israel also killed military commander Mohammad Deif and political leader Ismail Haniyeh in separate operations.

Source: India Today