Israeli Forces Confirm Death of Hamas Commander Mohammed Sinwar

The IDF declared it has identified the body of Mohammed Sinwar, the military leader of Hamas, in a tunnel under the European Hospital in Khan Younis. Found along with him was another Hamas commander, and the bodies were confirmed through DNA tests. The situation arises amidst ongoing military tensions in Gaza, where Israel continues operations aimed at dismantling Hamas.

The Israeli military has confirmed the identification of the body of Mohammed Sinwar, the military leader of the Palestinian group Hamas, after it was discovered in an underground tunnel beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they verified Sinwar’s identity via DNA testing, although Hamas has yet to officially acknowledge his death.

Sinwar, age 49, was reportedly killed in an air strike on May 13, which, according to the Hamas-run civil defense agency, resulted in the deaths of 28 individuals and left many others injured. The IDF stated that Sinwar's body was found alongside that of Mohammad Sabaneh, the commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade. The military reported locating various items belonging to both commanders, as well as additional intelligence for further investigation.

As part of their military operations, the IDF escorted a group of foreign journalists into Khan Younis to demonstrate the tunnel where the bodies were found, which they claim underscores Hamas's strategy of using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. IDF spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin criticized Hamas for allegedly employing civilians as human shields and utilizing hospitals for military operations.

Despite ongoing claims from Israel, Hamas denies using hospitals as military bases. The IDF has faced accusations of war crimes amid mounting concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hospitals and medical facilities are under increasing threat from military operations.

This latest development follows a violent escalation in the conflict, sparked by an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 fatalities and the taking of hostages by Hamas. Following that attack, Israeli military actions have reportedly led to over 54,880 deaths in Gaza, according to the local health ministry.

The recent fighting has resumed after a ceasefire and negotiations over hostage exchanges collapsed. Israel has reiterated its commitment to dismantling Hamas and pursuing the release of the hostages, of which 54 remain in captivity, with 23 believed to be alive. Mohammed Sinwar had been associated with Hamas since its inception in the late 1980s, quickly rising to a commander role, particularly noted for his closeness to key figures like Mohammed Deif. His brother, Yahya Sinwar, was identified as one of the masterminds of the October 7 attack and was killed by Israeli troops last October.