Hamas leader likely killed after Israeli airstrike targets hideout below Gaza hospital

Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar was likely killed in Israel’s latest offensive in Gaza, according to a senior Israeli official.

Sinwar, the brother of Oct. 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar, is dead “based on all indications,” Defense Minister Israel Katz told a closed-door parliamentary meeting, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The terror group’s latest leader was the target of an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) airstrike on a hideout hidden below the European Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, an Israeli official familiar with the meeting told the paper.

Hamas health officials say at least six people were killed and 40 others injured in the attack, but have not confirmed Sinwar was among them.

The IDF said Sunday it had launched “extensive ground operations throughout the northern and southern Gaza Strip” after some 670 airstrikes bombarded Hamas’ key infrastructure like weapons facilities, underground sites, and antitank missile launchers.

Sinwar’s death comes as Israel and Hamas are having informal negotiations on a cease-fire deal that would free the remaining Israeli hostages under an outline drawn up by US special envoy Steve Witkoff.