In a significant development amid ongoing conflict, Hamas has officially confirmed the death of Mohammed Sinwar, who was presumed to be its leader in Gaza. This announcement comes more than three months after Israeli forces stated they had killed him in a targeted air strike. On Saturday, Hamas released images depicting Sinwar alongside other political and military leaders, all honored as “martyrs of the military council.”
Mohammed Sinwar was notably the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, a figure whom Israel accuses of orchestrating the devastating attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited the current war in the Gaza Strip. Following the death of military commander Mohammed Deif, Sinwar reportedly took the helm of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ military council.
Israeli military sources previously indicated they had traced Mohammed Sinwar’s remains to a tunnel located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, central Gaza, claiming he was “eliminated” on May 13.
The ramifications of the October 2023 attack on Israel have been catastrophic, resulting in the deaths of 1,219 individuals, predominantly civilians, as per an AFP tally based on Israeli reports. In addition, of the 251 hostages taken during the assault, approximately 47 remain captive in Gaza, with around 20 believed to still be alive.
In response to the attack, Israel launched a retaliatory offensive that has led to staggering casualties. Reports from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza indicate that at least 63,371 Palestinians have died, with most being civilians. The United Nations has deemed these figures to be credible, underscoring the severe toll that the ongoing conflict is inflicting on the civilian population.
