Hamas Confirms Deaths of Senior Leaders Amid Gaza Conflict

Reports indicate that Hamas has officially acknowledged the deaths of five high-ranking leaders, representing a significant setback for the group since the onset of the Gaza war.

The armed wing of Hamas, known as the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, announced on Monday that Mohammed al-Sinwar, brother of the former Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar, was killed during an Israeli operation in Gaza. Al-Sinwar had risen to prominent positions within the organization and was seen as a key figure in its wartime leadership after the loss of other senior commanders.

In May, the Israeli military had reported that he was killed in an airstrike aimed at Hamas’ command center located in the basement of a hospital in Khan Yunis.

Netanyahu Calls for Action Against Hamas

Hamas did not specify the exact date of al-Sinwar’s death, but confirmed that it occurred earlier this year.

Additionally, Hamas announced the death of Abu Obeidah, a long-time spokesperson for the al-Qassam Brigades and the face of the military wing during the ongoing conflict. Notably, his real name was revealed to be Hudayfa Samir Abdullah al-Qalut. Israel had previously stated that he was killed in Gaza City in late August.

This marked the first time Hamas officially confirmed Abu Obeidah’s death, even after Israel had announced it earlier.

Targeting Key Hamas Figures

Also confirmed dead were Raed Saad, a senior commander of the al-Qassam Brigades, and Mohammed Shabana, commander of the Rafah Brigades. Reports indicate that they were both killed in separate Israeli airstrikes earlier this year.

Israeli officials say Saad was a primary planner behind the October 7 attack that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the hostage-taking of over 250 people.

Hamas also noted the deaths of Hakam al-Issa, one of the al-Qassam Brigades’ founding members. Reports indicate he died during an attack in Gaza’s Sabra district.

Intelligence Operations Against Hamas

These confirmations come even with a ceasefire in place since October. Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, President Trump warned that Hamas would face significant consequences if they failed to disarm soon.

Trump emphasized, “They will have a very short period of time to disarm,” suggesting that the next phase of the Gaza peace plan could be expedited if Hamas complies.