Israel launched an airstrike on the European hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on Tuesday evening, reportedly targeting Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar. The strike resulted in the deaths of six Palestinians and left at least 40 others wounded, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Sinwar, who became Hamas’ de facto leader after his brother’s death in October 2023, has been a major target of Israeli military operations. The attack reflects the ongoing violence in Gaza as Israel works to dismantle Hamas leadership.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they carried out an airstrike on the hospital, targeting what they described as “Hamas terrorists in a command and control center” located in underground infrastructure beneath the hospital. However, the IDF did not specifically identify Sinwar as the target of the strike. The bombing hit the hospital yard, causing significant destruction. Dr. Saleh Al Hams, head of nursing at the facility, reported that some victims were trapped under the rubble. Medical teams worked to move patients to safer areas within the hospital.
Video footage from the scene showed towering columns of smoke and dust, indicating the scale of the attack, which appeared to be one of the largest in Gaza in recent weeks.
In response, Hamas dismissed the Israeli claims regarding Sinwar, stating through an official statement that only the Palestinian resistance, through its authorized platforms, could confirm or deny such reports. The organization has not confirmed Sinwar’s death and continues to refute Israeli military statements.
On the same evening, the IDF intercepted two rockets fired from Gaza, marking the first rocket fire from the besieged territory in a month. A third rocket landed in an open area. The military wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) later claimed responsibility for the launch, stating that the rockets were aimed at Israeli cities near Gaza. In response to the rocket attacks, Israel issued evacuation warnings for the Jabalya refugee camp and surrounding northern Gaza areas, signaling that the IDF would take further action against any location from which rockets are fired.
Mohammed Sinwar, considered by Israeli officials as just as hardline as his brother Yahya, has been a key figure in Hamas’ military operations. Sinwar was the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade until 2016 and is believed to be one of the main planners of the deadly October 7 attacks on Israel. His leadership within Hamas has made him a top target for Israeli forces. Since the beginning of the conflict, Sinwar has remained elusive, staying in hiding along with other senior Hamas leaders. The IDF released footage in December 2023 showing Sinwar traveling through a tunnel in Gaza, and in February 2024, they claimed to have located his office in western Khan Younis.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Dan Shapiro, suggested that Sinwar’s death could open the path for negotiations to secure the release of hostages and pave the way for a post-war future in Gaza without Hamas. Shapiro stated that his removal could facilitate the release of all hostages and begin a process toward peace.
Before the October 7 attack, the Israeli military had focused its efforts on capturing or killing Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed’s brother. Yahya, who was imprisoned for life in 1988, became fluent in Hebrew and spent his years studying Israeli tactics. He was released in 2011 as part of a deal to free Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, held captive by Hamas for five years. Following his release, Yahya quickly rose through the ranks of Hamas and eventually became its leader. After the October 7 attack, he became Israel’s most wanted man. Despite multiple close calls, Yahya remained elusive, moving through Gaza’s tunnels and avoiding detection by Israel’s advanced surveillance systems. In a routine patrol in Rafah, southern Gaza, Israeli forces engaged in a firefight, ultimately discovering Yahya’s body.
The timing of the attack on Sinwar is significant, coming just one day after Hamas released Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander as a gesture to the United States. This move sidelined Israel, as Hamas engaged in direct communication with the Trump administration regarding the release. With negotiations about to begin in Qatar, the strike on Sinwar may complicate any potential agreement. Israeli officials believe that Sinwar’s leadership role in Hamas could have hindered any peace talks. As Israel prepares for talks in Doha, his removal could drastically shift the balance of power.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza remains volatile, with both sides continuing military operations in an effort to achieve their respective objectives. The recent targeting of Sinwar is part of Israel’s broader strategy to dismantle Hamas and weaken its leadership. However, the situation remains fluid, with the impact of the attack still unfolding.
The airstrike on the European hospital in Khan Younis marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. With Sinwar remaining a top target for Israeli forces, the dynamics of the conflict could shift significantly depending on the outcome of these military operations. As both sides prepare for future negotiations and military action, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, adding further complexity to the already dire situation in Gaza.
