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By Amir Daftari
News Reporter
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the death of Mohammad Sinwar, the 49-year-old leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying he was "eliminated" in an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in Khan Younis on May 13.
Netanyahu had previously said Sinwar was likely killed in the strike, which came amid Israel's ongoing war with Hamas following the group's October 7, 2023, attack on Israeli civilians. However, Israeli military officials have said they are not yet able to confirm his death, and Hamas has also not issued any official confirmation.
Newsweek has reached out to the Israeli foreign ministry and Hamas for comment.
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Why It Matters
Mohammed Sinwar was considered one of the highest-ranking Hamas military commanders remaining in Gaza after more than a year and a half of intense conflict with Israel. His death, if confirmed, would mark a significant blow to Hamas's leadership structure amid ongoing hostilities. The Israeli government has emphasized its efforts to eliminate key Hamas figures to weaken the group's operational capabilities.
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What To Know
Born Mohammad Ibrahim Hassan Sinwar in the Khan Yunis refugee camp in Gaza, Sinwar rose through the ranks of Hamas over several decades. He was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas leader killed in an Israeli strike in October 2024. Following Yahya's death, Mohammed Sinwar assumed command of both Hamas's military wing and its political leadership in Gaza. Known as "the shadow" by Israeli officials for his secretive activities, Sinwar was regarded as highly influential within the organization.
Military Reputation
Sinwar was involved in the 2006 abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, a move that later resulted in a prisoner exchange deal in 2011. He was considered one of the masterminds behind the deadly Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the latest round of war. Sinwar was notorious for his ruthless approach, aggressive military tactics, and efforts to expand Hamas's control over Gaza despite the worsening humanitarian crisis.
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Assassination Attempts
Israel has attempted multiple times to assassinate Sinwar, including making a false report of his death during the 2014 Israel-Gaza war. Israeli intelligence considered him one of the most wanted men, placing a bounty on his capture.
What Happens Next
Confirmation of Mohammed Sinwar's death from Hamas remains pending, and the group's response could significantly influence the conflict's trajectory in Gaza. Israeli forces are expected to continue their campaign to eliminate remaining Hamas leaders and degrade the group's military capabilities. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists, complicating any potential ceasefire or peace negotiations.
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Update 05/29/2025, 05:40 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with a photograph of Mohammad Sinwar and further information regarding the confirmation of his death.
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