Hamas Chief Sinwar Found Dead In Tunnel After Israeli Strike
- 18.05.2025, 13:58
Along with him, his assistants were eliminated.
Hamas chief Mohammed Sinwar was found dead in a tunnel in Gaza after an Israel Defense Forces strike. His aides were killed along with him.
According to The Times of Israel.
The Saudi channel Al-Hadath reports that the Israel Defense Forces struck an underground Hamas command complex in Gaza, where the de facto leader of the military wing, Mohammed Sinwar, was killed.
About 10 of his other aides were killed along with him, as well as likely Rafah Brigade commander Mohammed Shabana.
Israel has not officially confirmed the deaths of Hamas leaders, but it is reported that the strikes killed key leaders of the terror group.
What is known
Mohammed Sinwar became head of Hamas' military wing after the death of commander-in-chief Mohammed Deif in July 2023. He is the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the movement's previous leader who was assassinated in October 2024.
Sinwar was considered one of Hamas' most influential commanders and was actively sought for his involvement in terrorist actions against Israel, including the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Hilad Shalit in 2006.
After a massive Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed some 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages, Israel stepped up operations against terrorists in Gaza.
Most of Hamas' top leadership was eliminated during those actions.
At the same time, Israeli officials cited Mohammed Sinwar as a key obstacle to hostage release and cease-fire negotiations.
Israeli strike
Israel launched an airstrike on a bunker beneath a hospital in the Gaza Strip where Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar may have been located.
Three Israeli officials told the publication that the strike took place in the town of Khan Younis. Sinwar heads Hamas' military wing after the deaths of his brother Yahya Sinwar and predecessor Mohammed Deif.
Axios notes that Sinwar's death will be a major blow to the militants. The three leaders were the masterminds of the October 7 attacks.