Palestinians at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Al-Bureij camp, in the central Gaza Strip, May 18, 2025 (Ali Hassan/Flash90)
| Published May 18, 2025
Saud outlet reports Hamas military wing chief is found dead along with the remains of 10 others killed in the bombing of an underground tunnel system running beneath a Khan Younis hospital
In a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, Mohammed Sinwar, the de facto military leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a tunnel complex in Khan Younis. The strike, carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), aimed at an underground command center believed to be housing Sinwar and other senior Hamas figures.
According to reports from Saudi-owned Al-Hadath TV, Sinwar’s body, along with those of ten of his aides—including Mohammed Shabana, commander of Hamas’s Rafah Brigade—was discovered in the aftermath of the bombing. The IDF has not officially confirmed Sinwar’s death, but Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that signs strongly indicate his elimination.
The airstrike targeted a tunnel network situated beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis. The operation was reportedly approved in real-time by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz, following intelligence that Sinwar was present in the tunnel without any hostages nearby. The use of bunker-busting munitions in the strike was intended to collapse the tunnel system and prevent rescue or concealment efforts.
Mohammed Sinwar, the younger brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar—who was killed by the IDF in October 2024—assumed leadership of Hamas’s military wing following the death of top commander Muhammad Deif in July 2024. His leadership was marked by a hardline stance against negotiations with Israel, particularly concerning hostage releases and ceasefire agreements.
The elimination of Sinwar and other key Hamas figures represents a significant blow to the organization’s leadership structure. It may pave the way for figures like Izz ad-Din al-Haddad to assume military leadership, potentially altering Hamas’s operational capabilities and strategies moving forward.
This development comes amid renewed peace talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar, focusing on a potential hostage release and temporary ceasefire. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but the removal of Sinwar from Hamas’s leadership could influence the group’s approach to future discussions.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, recognizing that the death of a key militant leader could have far-reaching implications for the dynamics of the Gaza conflict and the broader Middle East region.
Implications of the Death of Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar
1. Leadership Crisis Within Hamas
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Power Vacuum: Sinwar’s death creates a leadership gap within Hamas’s military wing, potentially triggering a power struggle among senior commanders.
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Risk of Fragmentation: Without a clear successor, Hamas could face internal divisions, weakening its command structure and operational coordination.
2. Shift in Hamas Military Strategy
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Potential for Retaliation: Hamas may launch reprisal attacks to demonstrate strength and avenge Sinwar’s death, escalating the conflict with Israel.
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Leadership Transition: Figures like Izz ad-Din al-Haddad may assume leadership, which could lead to either more aggressive or more calculated military tactics.
3. Israeli Military Strategy Reinforced
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Increased Use of Targeted Strikes: Sinwar’s elimination validates Israel’s strategy of precision strikes on high-value targets, likely encouraging more such operations.
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Boosted Morale: The successful strike strengthens Israel’s intelligence reputation and may improve domestic support for Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.
4. Impact on Hostage Negotiations
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Disrupted Negotiations: Ongoing hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas could be affected, as Sinwar was a key figure in these discussions.
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Potential for Diplomatic Leverage: Israel may use the death to pressure Hamas for more favorable terms, while Hamas may become less willing to compromise.
5. Escalation Risk in Gaza
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Cycle of Violence: The killing of a senior Hamas leader could trigger a new wave of rocket attacks on Israel, leading to further IDF airstrikes in Gaza.
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Civilian Impact: Gaza’s population may suffer from intensified hostilities and humanitarian challenges if the conflict escalates.
6. Regional Reactions and International Diplomacy
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Mixed Regional Responses: Some Arab countries may condemn Israel’s actions, while others may view it as a necessary step against militant leadership.
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Global Diplomatic Pressure: Western nations may call for restraint, urging both sides to avoid further escalation and prioritize peace talks.
7. Long-term Strategic Consequences
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Leadership Decapitation Strategy: Israel may continue to target senior Hamas leaders, aiming to weaken the group’s leadership over time.
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Hamas Adaptation: Hamas may revise its leadership structure to prevent similar losses, possibly shifting to a more decentralized model.
Overall Takeaway:
The death of Hamas military leader Mohammed Sinwar in an Israeli airstrike marks a major blow to Hamas’s leadership and could trigger a significant shift in the Gaza conflict. While Israel’s successful strike demonstrates its intelligence capabilities and reinforces its targeted killing strategy, it also raises the risk of retaliatory attacks and further escalation. For Hamas, the loss of Sinwar creates a leadership crisis that may lead to internal divisions or a change in military strategy. As regional and international players react, the incident highlights the fragile nature of peace efforts and the persistent volatility in Gaza.
SOURCES: THE TIMES OF ISRAEL – Report: Body of Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar found in Gaza tunnel struck by IDF
THE NEW YORK POST – Talks for hostage release, temporary truce resume in Qatar as Israel ramps up offensive on Hamas
THE AUSTRALIAN – ‘Sinwar was eliminated’: Israel Defence Minister
YNET NEWS – Katz says Sinwar likely killed in IDF strike after body reported found in Gaza
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