Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the country’s military has eliminated Hamas’s Gaza chief(Hamas leader), Mohammed Sinwar, a key figure in the militant group and brother of the late leader Yahya Sinwar. According to Netanyahu, Sinwar was killed in a strike in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military targeted a Hamas “command and control center” beneath the European hospital in Khan Younis on May 13, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.
Background on Mohammed Sinwar
Mohammed Sinwar, 49, joined Hamas in the late 1980s and rose through the ranks to become commander of the Khan Yunis Brigade by 2005. He was believed to have been involved in planning the 2006 cross-border attack that led to the capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Sinwar also reportedly played a role in the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. His brother, Yahya Sinwar, masterminded the attack, which led to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Statement and International Reaction
In a speech to parliament, Netanyahu highlighted Israel’s achievements in the “War of Revival,” stating, “We drove the terrorists out of our territory, entered the Gaza Strip with force, eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists, eliminated Mohammed Deif, Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Mohammed Sinwar.” However, the UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, condemned the killing of civilians, saying it was “as tragic as it is abhorrent,” and emphasizing Israel’s obligation to spare civilian lives under international law.
Hostages and Humanitarian Crisis
Netanyahu also addressed the issue of hostages held by Hamas, confirming that 20 hostages are believed to be alive, while up to 38 others are thought to be deceased. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with at least 54,084 people killed in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. The EU has criticized Israeli strikes in Gaza, saying they “go beyond what is necessary” to fight Hamas.