Israel Claims Possible Killing of Hamas Leader

Tel Aviv: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Wednesday that Israel “probably” killed Mohamed Singhwar, who serves as the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza. This announcement follows reports suggesting that Singhwar might have been killed during a significant Israeli airstrike at a European hospital in Khan Eunice, which resulted in the deaths of 28 Palestinians. However, as of now, neither Israel nor Hamas has confirmed his death officially.

Netanyahu mentioned in a press conference, “We have eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists… including leaders like Deif, Hanie, Yahiya Singhwar, and possibly Mohammad Singhwar.”

About Mohammed Singhwar

Mohamed Singhwar was seen as one of the last senior military commanders of Hamas remaining in Gaza following a prolonged conflict with Israel. Up until this point, Hamas has not acknowledged his death.

Singhwar is the younger sibling of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was involved in the attack on October 7, 2023, and was subsequently killed in an Israeli strike in October 2024.

If Singhwar’s death is confirmed, it would contribute to a pattern of high-profile assassinations significantly affecting Hamas’ leadership. Throughout the ongoing conflict, Israel has systematically targeted key figures within Hamas, including Yahya Singhwar and Mohammad Deif, along with Ismail Hanieh, the political chief of the organization, among others.

Netanyahu’s Statements

During his first press conference in several months, Netanyahu expressed that Israel is open to a “temporary ceasefire” aimed at facilitating the return of hostages, especially amid rising criticism regarding the situation in Gaza. Nevertheless, he indicated that all operations in Gaza would remain under Israeli control as the intensified attacks on Palestinian territory continue.

He emphasized the need to prevent a humanitarian crisis to retain operational freedom. Netanyahu mentioned that a potential temporary ceasefire would be contingent on Hamas releasing all hostages, and that any cessation of hostilities would only occur if Palestinian groups adhered to certain conditions, like implementing a US plan for voluntary Palestinian migration from the enclosed area and the ousting of Hamas.

“Gaza must be completely demilitarized,” he stated. “We aim to execute a plan that is both precise and innovative, allowing residents who wish to leave the region to do so.”