Was Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar Killed in an Israeli Airstrike?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Benjamin Netanyahu confirms the death of Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar.
- The Israeli airstrike targeted a bunker in Khan Younis.
- Sinwar was a key player in Hamas' operations in Gaza.
- Israeli intelligence reports on the status of hostages.
- Hamas is negotiating a ceasefire framework with the US.
Jerusalem, May 28 (NationPress) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that Mohammed Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza and sibling of the late Hamas figure Yahya Sinwar, was killed during an Israeli airstrike earlier this month.
During a speech in parliament, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel is experiencing a "dramatic turning point" in its conflict with Hamas, confirming the military's success in "eliminating Mohammad Sinwar."
He remarked that recent Israeli operations aimed at dismantling Hamas' governing capabilities in Gaza.
As of now, there has been no immediate confirmation of Sinwar's death from either Hamas or independent sources.
This announcement marks the first official recognition of his killing, following a collaborative Israeli military and Shin Bet operation on May 13 that targeted a bunker beneath the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Younis, as reported by Xinhua news agency. The airstrike resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, according to health authorities in Gaza, although the fate of Mohammed Sinwar had not been confirmed until now.
Mohammad Sinwar, aged 49, was a prominent political and military figure within Hamas. He took charge of the group’s operations in Gaza and its armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, in October 2024 after his brother's death.
Netanyahu also shared information regarding the hostages held in Gaza, indicating that, based on Israeli intelligence, 20 hostages are alive while 38 are thought to be deceased.
In a related development, Hamas declared on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff regarding a general framework for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Hamas stated that this framework entails the release of 10 Israeli hostages and several bodies in exchange for a specified number of Palestinian prisoners, guaranteed by mediators.
Hamas expressed that it is awaiting a final response to this framework, stressing that "it is making significant efforts to halt the brutal war on the Gaza Strip."