Israeli Airstrikes Target Hamas Leader in Khan Younis

Israeli fighter jets have intensified airstrikes in Khan Younis, targeting Mohammad Sinwar, a key Hamas leader, amidst Israel's warnings of a significant military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

In a significant escalation of military action, Israeli fighter jets launched a series of airstrikes over the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Tuesday evening, focusing on the elimination of Mohammad Sinwar, a prominent commander within Hamas and the brother of a leader killed by Israeli forces last year. This information was confirmed by two anonymous Israeli military officials who were not authorized to speak publicly about the operation.

Simultaneously, the Israeli military announced that it had struck a Hamas command center located beneath the European Hospital near Khan Younis. While an Israeli military spokeswoman did not confirm whether Sinwar was specifically targeted in this strike, videos from the aftermath depicted large clouds of smoke rising from the area, raising concerns about potential damage to hospital infrastructure.

The latest airstrikes are part of Israel’s broader strategy to deter Hamas, which remains armed despite escalating hostilities. Israeli officials have warned of a major military campaign should Hamas fail to disarm and return the remaining 20 living hostages, along with approximately 40 additional deceased individuals. Hamas, however, has firmly rejected these conditions, asserting that it will only consider disarmament and hostage release following the cessation of hostilities.

Sinwar is viewed as one of the last high-ranking Hamas military leaders remaining in Gaza, especially following the recent death of Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the October 7, 2023 attacks that triggered the ongoing conflict. His presence underscores the ongoing volatility and the complexities involved in achieving peace in the region.

Ronen Bergman, a staff writer for The New York Times Magazine based in Tel Aviv, and Aaron Boxerman, a Times reporter covering Israel and Gaza from Jerusalem, contributed to this report.