Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the death of Mohammed Sinwar, purportedly the leader of Hamas’ armed wing, following a recent airstrike in the Gaza Strip. While Netanyahu confirmed this information, Hamas has yet to confirm Sinwar’s death. Mohammed Sinwar was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas who orchestrated the October 7, 2023, attack precipitating the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024.
Israeli operations have effectively dismantled much of Hamas’ leadership during the protracted conflict, with Mohammed Sinwar being one of the last significant figures still known to be alive in Gaza. Despite this, Hamas has retained control over parts of Gaza that have not been captured by Israeli forces, continues to hold numerous hostages, and conducts intermittent assaults on Israeli troops.
As the head of Hamas’ military faction, Sinwar wielded considerable power over any negotiations regarding hostage release, meaning his death could complicate ongoing efforts by the US and Arab nations to negotiate a ceasefire. Israel has asserted its commitment to persisting with military operations until all hostages are returned and Hamas is either defeated or disarmed.
In his address to parliament, Netanyahu mentioned Sinwar’s killing among other top Hamas leaders he claimed had been eliminated in the conflict. His remarks highlighted the casualties inflicted on Hamas, including other notable figures such as (Mohammed) Deif and Ismail Haniyeh. Reports allege that the May 13 strike, which took place beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis — the Sinwar brothers’ hometown — was aimed at Mohammed Sinwar, although the military refrained from confirming his targeting or death. The strike resulted in at least six fatalities and injuries to 40 others, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Born in 1975 in the Khan Younis refugee camp, Mohammed Sinwar’s family was among those displaced during the 1948 war which led to Israel’s establishment — a narrative common among Gaza’s population today. He became involved with Hamas in the late 1980s, following the group’s inception as the Palestinian branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, and rose to become a senior member of its military wing, the Qassam Brigades.
Sinwar was also involved in a 2006 cross-border raid that resulted in the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, who was held for five years before being exchanged for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including Yahya Sinwar. His prominence continued as he provided insight into Hamas operations, at times hinting at their tactical capabilities in the region.
In the past, Sinwar had been a target of Israeli military action on multiple occasions and was even believed to have been killed in 2014. Reports suggest he was among a select group of commanders knowledgeable about the plans for the October 7 attack. A video released by the Israeli military in December 2023 allegedly captured Sinwar, although Hamas has not authenticated the footage.