Mohammed Sinwar, a key figure in Hamas, was identified by Israel Defense Forces in a tunnel under Khan Younis, as the conflict continues to escalate, raising humanitarian concerns.**
Identification of Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar’s Body Amid Ongoing Conflict**
Identification of Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar’s Body Amid Ongoing Conflict**
The Israeli military confirms the identification of Hamas military chief Mohammed Sinwar’s body, intensifying ongoing tensions in Gaza.**
The Israeli military announced on Sunday that it has located and identified the body of Mohammed Sinwar, who served as the military leader for Hamas in Gaza. His remains were discovered in a tunnel beneath the European Hospital located in Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the identification through DNA testing, while Hamas has not yet released any statement regarding his death.
Sinwar, 49, reportedly died in an airstrike on May 13, which resulted in the deaths of 28 individuals and left many others injured, according to the Hamas-run civil defense agency. The IDF indicated that Sinwar's body was located alongside that of Mohammad Sabaneh, the commander of Hamas's Rafah Brigade. Additionally, the IDF stated they found various items belonging to both Sinwar and Sabaneh, alongside other bodies that are still being identified.
In a recent media tour, IDF officials revealed the entrance to the tunnel, which is situated in front of the European Hospital. Video footage released by the IDF shows a narrow underground corridor leading to multiple rooms, one of which contained Sinwar's body. IDF spokesperson Brig Gen Effie Defrin highlighted the ethical concerns raised by the tunneling beneath the hospital, accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields by hiding military assets in vital civilian infrastructure.
Israel has frequently accused Hamas of utilizing hospitals for military operations—a claim that Hamas strongly denies. As a result of the ongoing military campaign, which was initiated following a large-scale attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has severely deteriorated. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 54,880 individuals have lost their lives since the onset of renewed hostilities.
International organizations and leaders, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, have expressed alarm over the rising casualties and have called for the protection of medical facilities and personnel under international humanitarian law. The situation is complicated further by the collapse of a ceasefire and hostage negotiation efforts, with Israel reiterating its goal to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages, some of whom have been identified as still being alive.
Mohammed Sinwar, who joined Hamas shortly after its creation in the late 1980s, had climbed to significant leadership roles within the group, most notably being an influential figure in the planning of the October 7 attack. His brother, Yahya Sinwar, a former leader of Hamas in Gaza, was killed by Israeli forces last October, marking a pivotal loss for the militant organization.
As the conflict surges on, Israel's military strategy faces scrutiny, and the humanitarian toll continues to rise, raising profound ethical questions about the conduct of both warring parties.
