Did Israel Just Take Out Hamas's No. 2? You Won't Believe What Netanyahu Claims!

Netanyahu Announces Death of Hamas Gaza Chief Mohammad Sinwar

In a potentially significant development in the ongoing conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday the death of Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas' Gaza chief.

According to Netanyahu, Mohammad Sinwar, the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar (the deceased mastermind behind the October 2023 attack), was"eliminated." This announcement comes after reports earlier this month of an Israeli strike targeting a hospital in southern Gaza, where Mohammad Sinwar was believed to be located. On May 21, Netanyahu had stated it was "likely" Sinwar was dead.

The Prime Minister made the announcement during an address to the Israeli parliament, listing the names of other Hamas officials Israel claims to have killed over the past 20 months, including Yahya Sinwar.

Key Points from Netanyahu's Address:

• "In the last two days we have been in a dramatic turn towards a complete defeat of Hamas."
• Israel is "taking control of food distribution," referring to a new U.S.-backed aid distribution system in Gaza.

As of now, Hamas has not confirmed the death of Mohammad Sinwar.

This announcement coincides with an intensified Israeli military campaign in Gaza, following the breakdown of a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in March. Israel has stated its objectives as dismantling Hamas' governing and military capabilities and securing the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza.

Background to the Conflict:

• The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israeli communities, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily civilians.
• Over 250 people were taken hostage and transported to Gaza.
• Israel's subsequent military operation in Gaza has resulted in devastating consequences:
  • According to Gazan health officials, over 53,000 people have been killed.
  • Over 2 million Palestinians have been displaced.
• While Gazan health officials claim the majority of casualties are civilians, they haven't clarified the number of militant fatalities. Israel estimates it has killed tens of thousands of militants.

Earlier this week, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated that Hamas has suffered significant losses, including its command and control center.

Mohammad Sinwar ascended to a leadership position within Hamas last year after his brother, Yahya Sinwar, was reportedly killed in combat. Yahya Sinwar is considered the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attack and was later appointed as the overall leader of Hamas after Israel killed his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, in Iran.

Netanyahu's announcement, if confirmed by Hamas, represents a potentially significant blow to the organization's leadership structure. The implications for the future of the conflict and the ongoing negotiations remain to be seen, but it undoubtedly marks a critical juncture in this protracted and deeply tragic situation.

Tags: Netanyahu, Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas chief, Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, Israeli strike, Palestinian militant, October attack, Israel, Gaza aid

Source: https://www.ksl.com/article/51320753/netanyahu-says-hamas-gaza-chief-mohammad-sinwar-has-been-killed