Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the death of Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas’ top commander in Gaza, during a recent military operation in southern Gaza. The announcement came Wednesday during an address to the Knesset, marking the first official acknowledgment of Sinwar’s killing after weeks of speculation.
“We eliminated Mohammad Deif, Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammad Sinwar,” Netanyahu said, naming senior Hamas leaders reportedly neutralized by Israeli forces. Sinwar’s death is seen as a major blow to Hamas’ leadership and operational capabilities in Gaza.
Mohammad Sinwar, who rose to prominence following the death of his elder brother Yahya Sinwar last year, had been a key figure in the group’s command structure. Yahya, considered the architect of the deadly October 2023 Hamas-led assault on Israel, had assumed leadership of the group after the reported death of Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.
Speculation over Mohammad Sinwar’s fate began earlier in May after an Israeli airstrike targeted a hospital in southern Gaza. On May 21, Netanyahu said it was “likely” Sinwar had been killed in that attack. Wednesday’s statement is the first definitive confirmation from Israeli leadership.
The conflict, now entering its 20th month, has seen intensified Israeli military operations focused on dismantling Hamas’ leadership and infrastructure. Netanyahu described the latest developments as a “dramatic turn toward the complete defeat of Hamas,” outlining expanded measures, including Israeli control over food distribution in Gaza, now overseen by a U.S.-backed aid organization.
Hamas has yet to publicly confirm Sinwar’s death.
The ongoing war continues to draw international concern over deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, even as Israel escalates its campaign against the militant group.
Nzubechukwu Eze
