Israeli forces kill Hamas Gaza commander Mohammed Sinwar, says Netanyahu

Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza escalated with the announcement of the death of Mohammed Sinwar, the group’s Gaza chief, on May 28, 2025. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Sinwar, a high-priority target and brother of the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was killed in a massive Israeli airstrike on May 13 targeting the courtyard of the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The operation, which demolished Hamas’s underground infrastructure, resulted in 28 deaths, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defense agency. While Hamas has not officially confirmed Sinwar’s death, the strike marks a significant blow to the group’s military structure, following the killing of Yahya Sinwar in October 2024.

The attack, aimed at dismantling Hamas’s tunnel network, sparked controversy due to its location near a medical facility. Netanyahu hailed the operation as a milestone in Israel’s campaign against Hamas, but the high civilian toll and lack of confirmation from the group fueled debates. Key details of the incident include:

• The May 13 airstrike targeted tunnels beneath the European Hospital.
• Mohammed Sinwar was a key commander in Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades.
• Gaza authorities reported 28 deaths, with no mention of Sinwar’s status.

The news dominated global headlines and social media, highlighting the intensity of the Gaza conflict, which has claimed over 54,000 lives, per local reports. While Israel views the strike as a tactical victory, questions linger about its humanitarian cost and the war’s next phase.

Statement in Israel’s parliament

Netanyahu announced Mohammed Sinwar’s death during a Knesset session on May 28, 2025, framing it as a critical step in dismantling Hamas. He linked Sinwar to the group’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, masterminded by Yahya Sinwar, and accused him of orchestrating military operations and managing Israeli hostages in Gaza. The announcement came after weeks of speculation, as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initially withheld confirmation. The operation, Netanyahu said, relied on precise intelligence to avoid harming hostages.

The statement bolstered Netanyahu’s domestic support but drew criticism from political opponents, who argue that military victories have not advanced hostage negotiations. The strike’s proximity to a hospital also prompted condemnation from humanitarian groups, who called for accountability. The IDF maintained that the tunnels were a legitimate military target, used for weapons storage and attack planning.

Details of the Khan Younis strike

The May 13 airstrike on the European Hospital in Khan Younis was among Israel’s boldest operations in 2025. The IDF deployed dozens of bombs to destroy a tunnel complex beneath the hospital’s courtyard, believed to be a Hamas operational hub. Mohammed Sinwar, nicknamed “The Shadow” for his elusive nature, was reportedly present, possibly with other senior commanders. The attack obliterated much of the underground infrastructure, which Israel claims was vital to Hamas’s military efforts.

Gaza’s Civil Defense agency reported 28 deaths, including civilians, and numerous injuries. Footage from local media showed rescuers navigating rubble near the hospital, which sustained collateral damage. The strike’s location near a medical facility drew sharp criticism from international organizations, though the IDF insisted that Hamas’s use of civilian infrastructure justified the operation. The agency did not confirm Sinwar’s death, leaving room for uncertainty.

Profile of Mohammed Sinwar

Mohammed Sinwar, born in Khan Younis’s refugee camp, was a lifelong Hamas operative, shaped by his brother Yahya’s influence. Educated in UNRWA schools, he joined Hamas in its early years and rose to lead its Al-Qassam Brigades after Yahya’s death in October 2024. Known for his strategic acumen and hardline stance, Sinwar was accused by Israel of managing 58 hostages, with an estimated 21 still alive. His ability to evade capture made him a top target for the IDF.

Sinwar’s death, if verified, weakens Hamas’s leadership, already decimated by the killings of Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh, and Mohammed Deif. His role in rejecting ceasefire proposals that favored Israel underscored his influence. The group’s next steps remain unclear, with potential successors like Izz al-Din Haddad or Khalil al-Hayya in consideration.

Hamas’s tunnel network

Hamas’s underground tunnels, a focal point of Israel’s operations, are critical to the group’s strategy. Built over decades, these complexes serve as hideouts, weapons depots, and transit routes. In December 2023, the IDF released footage allegedly showing Mohammed Sinwar in a tunnel near the Erez crossing, highlighting the network’s sophistication. The video, captured by Israeli troops, underscored Hamas’s reliance on subterranean infrastructure.

The May 13 strike was based on intelligence pinpointing Sinwar’s location in the tunnel system under the European Hospital. Authorized by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, the operation aimed to disrupt Hamas’s operations while avoiding hostage casualties. Destroying these tunnels remains a priority for Israel, though strikes in populated areas continue to spark controversy.

Global reactions

The announcement of Sinwar’s death elicited varied responses. Western leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, endorsed the operation as a setback for Hamas. Conversely, Arab nations and humanitarian groups condemned the strike’s civilian toll and its proximity to a hospital. The UN called for an independent probe into possible breaches of international law, citing the deaths of non-combatants.

On platforms like X, the hashtag #MohammedSinwar trended, reflecting polarized views. Supporters of Israel hailed the strike as a counterterrorism success, while critics decried the attack on civilian infrastructure. Hamas’s silence fueled speculation, with some suggesting the group is delaying confirmation to reorganize its ranks.

Hamas leadership vacuum

Mohammed Sinwar’s elimination leaves Hamas in a precarious position. The deaths of Yahya Sinwar, Haniyeh, and Deif have decimated the group’s leadership, raising questions about its future. Izz al-Din Haddad, a Gaza City commander, is a likely candidate to take over military operations, while Khalil al-Hayya, based in Qatar, could assume a political role. Internal rivalries and external pressures complicate the transition.

Hamas has historically adapted to leadership losses, but the current void may hinder its operational capacity. Some analysts speculate that Sinwar’s death could prompt ceasefire talks, though Israel’s demand for Hamas’s surrender makes this unlikely. The group’s ability to regroup will depend on its remaining commanders and external support.

🎯 🎯 🎯 PM Netanyahu speaking at the Knesset this afternoon: "We have eliminated Mohammed Deif, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Sinwar." pic.twitter.com/3iXKHPM8F4

— Arsen Ostrovsky 🎗️ (@Ostrov_A) May 28, 2025

Gaza conflict: casualty toll

The Gaza war, sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, has caused immense destruction. Gaza health officials report over 54,000 deaths, mostly civilians, while Israel cites 1,200 deaths from the initial assault. The conflict also involves 250 hostages, with roughly 100 still in Gaza. Israel’s campaign, including airstrikes and ground operations, has razed much of Gaza’s infrastructure, displacing millions into dire conditions.

Humanitarian aid efforts face significant hurdles. On May 27, 2025, a distribution in Rafah turned deadly, with one killed and 48 injured amid chaos and gunfire. U.S.-backed initiatives, like the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, struggle to establish safe delivery points. Netanyahu pledged to expand aid sites, but ongoing violence undermines these efforts.

Ceasefire pressures

Sinwar’s death renewed calls for a ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to leverage the strike to pursue talks, but Netanyahu vowed to continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas is eradicated. Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal, stalling negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt. The international community grapples with Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, where shortages of food, water, and medical care persist.

Ongoing military operations

Israel’s 2025 operations in Gaza intensified, with strikes targeting Rafah and Gaza City. On May 5, Netanyahu announced a broader offensive, potentially aiming for full control of Gaza. The IDF also eliminated figures like Muhammed Shabaneh, a Rafah commander, possibly in the same strike as Sinwar. Despite losses, Hamas maintains resistance through rocket attacks and tunnel operations, prolonging the conflict.

Humanitarian and legal controversies

The European Hospital strike drew scrutiny for its civilian toll. Groups like Amnesty International labeled it a potential violation of international law, citing the hospital’s proximity. Israel countered that Hamas’s use of civilian sites, like hospitals, justifies such actions. The debate underscores the challenge of targeting militants in densely populated areas without civilian harm.

Gaza’s humanitarian crisis

Gaza’s humanitarian situation is dire, with 80% of its population displaced, per UN estimates. Disease outbreaks and child mortality are rising due to shortages of essentials. Aid delivery remains chaotic, with incidents like Rafah’s highlighting the risks. Global calls for a ceasefire aim to enable large-scale aid, but the conflict’s escalation, marked by Sinwar’s death, dims prospects for relief.

Hamas’s resilience

Hamas’s ability to endure leadership losses is notable, but the cumulative impact of 2024 and 2025 strikes may strain its cohesion. The group’s tunnel network, though damaged, remains a strategic asset. External support from allies like Iran could bolster its recovery, but internal divisions and Israel’s relentless campaign pose significant challenges.