Israel Confirms Killing Hamas Gaza Chief Muhammad Sinwar in May 13 Strike

Israel has confirmed the killing of Hamas Gaza chief Muhammad Sinwar in a May 13 airstrike targeting an underground command center beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. The strike, conducted by Israeli fighter jets in a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet, also eliminated senior Hamas commanders Muhammad Shabana and Mahdi Quara. Muhammad Sinwar, the younger brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, took over Hamas's military operations after the deaths of Muhammad Deif and Yahya Sinwar, and was known for resisting hostage deal negotiations and obstructing ceasefire efforts. Israeli officials described the strike as precise, targeting terrorists deliberately endangering civilians by operating under the hospital. Hamas has not confirmed Sinwar's death, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly announced it. Sinwar was a key figure in Hamas’s military wing and had been on Israel’s most wanted list for months, playing a significant role in major operations, including the 2006 kidnapping of Gilad Shalit and the October 7 attacks.