Israeli forces announced the recovery of Hamas military wing leader Mohammed Sinwar's body from a tunnel beneath Khan Younis' European Hospital on Sunday, marking a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict. The military confirmed Sinwar and Rafah Brigade commander Muhammad Shabaneh were killed during a May 13 operation involving air strikes and intelligence coordination.
Sinwar, 49, described by Israel as a key architect of Hamas' October 2023 attacks, was located during a multi-day raid launched Wednesday. His death follows that of his brother Yahya Sinwar – Hamas' former Gaza leader – who was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024.
Gaza health authorities report the conflict's death toll has reached 54,880 Palestinians, with 126,227 injured since hostilities began. The recovery operation comes as international observers express growing concern about civilian infrastructure damage and humanitarian conditions in the embattled enclave.
Analysts suggest the removal of senior Hamas figures could reshape the conflict's dynamics, though ground operations continue to face fierce resistance. The Israeli military stated its Khan Younis raid remains active, signaling no immediate de-escalation in southern Gaza.
