Israeli Defense Minister Says Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar Likely Killed In Gaza Airstrike

Multiple sources report that Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas commander and brother of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, was likely killed in an Israeli airstrike on an underground Hamas base near the European Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz indicated to the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee that all indications point to Sinwar's death, although official confirmation is still pending. The strike, which involved bunker-busting munitions and targeted a command hub housing numerous high-ranking Hamas officials, also reportedly killed Mohammed Shabanah, a potential successor and Rafah Brigade commander. While Saudi media and some Israeli sources confirmed finding Sinwar's body in a tunnel, the Israel Defense Forces have not officially recognized these reports and await confirmation from Hamas or their intelligence. Sinwar assumed leadership roles in Hamas following the deaths of previous commanders, including his brother Yahya, who masterminded the October 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. The loss of Sinwar and Shabanah could create a leadership vacuum in Hamas, with Izz ad-Din Haddad of the Gaza City Brigade considered a likely successor.