In a significant development in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed the death of Muhammad Sinwar, a key Hamas leader in Gaza. Sinwar was reportedly killed in a precision airstrike conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on May 14, 2025. The operation targeted an underground Hamas command center located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. This marks another critical blow to Hamas, following the death of Yahya Sinwar, Muhammad’s brother and former Hamas chief, in October 2024.
The Strike That Changed the Game
The Israeli military had long suspected that senior Hamas leadership was using underground facilities for coordination and command purposes. On May 14, the IDF launched a precision drone strike aimed at one such facility located beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. The operation was based on months of intelligence-gathering and surveillance, as the facility was believed to be a key nerve center for Hamas activities.
Initial reports had indicated that Muhammad Sinwar was grievously injured in the strike. However, the IDF was unable to confirm his death at the time due to the challenging terrain and complex structure of the underground tunnel system. It wasn’t until days later that Israeli intelligence verified the death, which was subsequently announced by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Who Was Muhammad Sinwar?
Muhammad Sinwar was one of the last surviving senior commanders of Hamas in Gaza. Known for his strategic acumen and low public profile, Sinwar had played a significant role in the planning and execution of Hamas operations. He was also deeply involved in managing Hamas’ military wing and underground infrastructure, including tunnel networks and command centers hidden beneath civilian facilities.
His brother, Yahya Sinwar, had been a more prominent figure and was considered the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza until his death in October 2024 during an IDF operation. The Sinwar brothers were widely regarded as key architects of Hamas’ military strategy and resistance efforts against Israel.
The Strategic Importance of Khan Younis
The location of the strike adds another layer of complexity and controversy. The command center was situated under the European Hospital in Khan Younis, an area previously flagged by Israel as being misused by Hamas to shield militant operations behind civilian infrastructure. The IDF released video evidence showing a tunnel entrance beneath the hospital leading to the Hamas command facility.
This raises serious concerns about the use of protected sites like hospitals for military purposes, potentially violating international humanitarian law. Israel has long accused Hamas of exploiting civilian buildings as shields, while Hamas denies such claims.
Netanyahu’s Statement and Global Reactions
Announcing the successful strike, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the death of Muhammad Sinwar is a major step forward in dismantling Hamas’ leadership in Gaza. He emphasized that Israel will continue its military operations until all threats to its citizens are neutralized.
Reactions from the international community have been mixed. While allies like the United States reiterated Israel’s right to defend itself, humanitarian organizations expressed concern about the targeting of infrastructure located beneath medical facilities. The situation underscores the ongoing complexity and humanitarian cost of urban warfare in Gaza.
The Implications for Hamas and the Conflict
The elimination of Muhammad Sinwar is a major setback for Hamas, which has already suffered the loss of multiple high-ranking leaders in recent months. With the top tier of its leadership either killed or in hiding, Hamas may face difficulties in maintaining command and control across Gaza.
However, history shows that militant groups are often capable of regenerating leadership over time. The real question is whether this operation will serve as a turning point toward de-escalation or provoke further retaliatory attacks.
Conclusion
The confirmed death of Muhammad Sinwar is a pivotal moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict. As one of Hamas’ key military strategists and the brother of the late Yahya Sinwar, his elimination signifies a major blow to the organization. Yet, with the war dragging on and civilian suffering increasing, the long-term resolution to this decades-old conflict remains uncertain.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Muhammad Sinwar?
Muhammad Sinwar was a senior Hamas commander in Gaza and the brother of former Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. He played a key role in the group’s military strategy and underground operations.
2. How was Muhammad Sinwar killed?
He was killed in a precision drone strike conducted by the Israeli Defense Forces on May 14, 2025. The strike targeted an underground command center beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis.
3. Why is the location of the strike controversial?
The strike hit a Hamas command center located under a hospital, raising concerns about the use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes and the broader implications for international humanitarian law.
4. What impact will his death have on Hamas?
The loss of Muhammad Sinwar weakens Hamas’ leadership structure, particularly after the death of his brother, Yahya Sinwar. It may disrupt their command operations but is unlikely to dismantle the group entirely.
5. What has been the international response?
While some countries support Israel’s right to defend itself, others and various humanitarian organizations have raised concerns about the targeting of facilities near civilians, calling for greater caution and accountability.
