In Gaza, body of one of Hamas’s top leaders found in tunnel
Recent events in the Gaza Strip have confirmed the worst — in the underground labyrinths beneath the enclave, the body of Mohammed Sinwar, one of the most important commanders of Hamas’s military wing, was discovered. According to sources from international media, including The Times of Israel citing the Saudi channel Al-Hadath, the body was found as part of a large-scale intelligence and military operation by Israeli forces. The exact date of the discovery and the circumstances of his death are currently under discussion, but it is known that during recent Israeli missile strikes in Gaza, the militant group’s chief commander was eliminated. Preliminary reports suggest that at least ten of Sinwar’s aides also lost their lives, likely present in the tunnel during the attack. Additionally, sources mention the possible death of another high-ranking leader — Mohammed Shabana, who led one of the militia’s brigades and is believed to have died in the same strike. There is no official confirmation of this yet, and Israel has refrained from commenting on potential losses among Hamas leadership. According to reports, the strikes against the underground command center were carried out by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) at the site below the European Hospital, which intelligence indicates served as a cover for Hamas’s main base and headquarters at that time. The operation aimed to eliminate leadership hiding in this area and was part of a broader campaign to intensify pressure on Hamas following a series of rocket attacks by militants in response to Israeli military actions. Mohammed Sinwar played a key role in Hamas’s external relations and in commanding its military wing. He is the younger brother of former Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli security services in October of last year. After the elimination of his older brother, Mohammed quickly took his place, becoming the de facto leader of the movement’s military elite in the sector. He was considered one of the most steadfast figures in negotiations for the release of hostages, and also one of the main obstacles to ceasefire agreements due to his stubbornness. Additionally, Sinwar was a frequent target of investigation and international search for activities deemed terrorist — he participated in numerous attacks, planning, and funding terrorist operations against Israel since the 1990s. His biography includes periods of imprisonment: nine months in Israeli jail and three years in the custody of the Palestinian Authority’s police in Ramallah, from which he escaped in 2000, beginning a more active role within Hamas. Background to this escalation includes a recent Israeli airstrike on Hamas’s command center, located beneath a hospital in Gaza. Reports suggest that the target was indeed one of the group’s key leaders — Mohammed Sinwar, who was suspected to be hiding in this underground facility. It’s also noted that following the bombing, Israeli forces conducted several additional airstrikes in the area to prevent reconstruction or any attempt to access tunnels used for hiding militants and transmitting information. The significance of this event extends beyond the simple elimination of a commander. Mohammed Sinwar remains a symbol of Hamas’s internal resilience, and his death could significantly influence the course of the conflict, as well as communication channels between Israeli authorities and the movement in Gaza. The loss of such a high-ranking figure raises concerns about possible escalation and a spiral of violence. Local authorities and military officials are cautiously commenting on the news, but it is already evident that the elimination of Sinwar is another step in an extensive operation to isolate and weaken Hamas, which is intended to undermine the group’s ability to coordinate combat actions and support. The events in Gaza continue to unfold, and the international community is closely watching the developments, as they will determine whether the situation escalates further or efforts at de-escalation succeed. For now, the situation remains tense, with all sides preparing for a possible new phase of conflict.