Israel Says it 'Probably' Killed Hamas Leader Mohammed Sinwar

What Happened?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that he believes Israel has killed the Palestinian militant group leader of Hamas during operations in Gaza.

⁠'We eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists,' Netanyahu announced during a press conference. 'We eliminated the leaders of the murderers Deif, Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and probably Mohammad Sinwar.'

Hamas leader Mohammad Sinwar was targeted by Israeli forces in a massive set of strikes on a hospital last week in Khan Younis, according to reports.

Palestinian Ministry of Health said the strike killed 28 Palestinians and wounded more than 50 others.

If confirmed, Mohammad Sinwar's death would reportedly be the latest blow to Hamas' top-ranking members.

But the group's grip on power would still possibly remain.

Mohammad Sinwar is reportedly the brother of former leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military in southern Gaza in October.

Why it Matters

These developments come as Israeli strikes have pounded across the Gaza Strip, killing at least 85 Palestinians over a 24-hour period.

Israeli forces press forward with their new military plans against Hamas, despite growing calls from world leaders for a ceasefire.

Netanyahu has stated that the entire Gaza Strip will be under Israeli security control by the end of the war.

But he has recently suggested that Israel is open to a temporary ceasefire and a hostage release deal.

UK's Development Minister Jenny Chapman accused Israel of using hunger as a 'weapon of war.'

Israel faced pressure to allow humanitarian aid into the enclave amid growing hunger concerns.

The United Nations stated that the 'dozens' of trucks entering the strip are far less than 600 per day, which entered during the latest ceasefire.

The United Kingdom announced trade negotiation pauses with Israel, sanctioned West Bank settlers, and summoned the Israeli ambassador due to Israel’s intensified operation in the West Bank.

Israeli strikes have killed more than 500 people in the past nine days, according to medics in Gaza.

How it Affects You

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that he, along with the leaders of Canada and France, was 'horrified' by Israel's military escalation.

They have all repeated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and have warned of taking 'concrete actions' if Israel does not stop.

Netanyahu has made Israel's intentions clear to 'continue to defend itself by just means until total victory.'

Israel's plan of total control of Gaza could permanently displace over 2 million people.

As death tolls continue to rise, scenes of hunger are draining vital Israeli support.

It has brought Israel close to a 'red line' that global leaders warned of ethnic cleansing.

Global leaders call on President Donald Trump to follow suit and revive ceasefire efforts.

President Trump faces a tough challenge after his recent Middle East tour to build foreign relations.

Trump said, 'good things' are expected over the next month, when asked if he backed Israel's war plans.

The permanent displacement of Gazans could affect recent U.S.-Middle East relations.