Israel has eliminated Hamas chief, PM Benjamin announces

Hamas chief Mohammad Sinwar was killed in an IDF airstrike on May 13, but Netanyahu confirmed it after 15 days. The delay was due to intelligence verification, forensic investigation and Hamas’ silence. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on May 28 that Hamas’ third chief Mohammad Sinwar was also killed in an IDF airstrike on May 13. The attack was carried out on a tunnel under Gaza’s European Hospital, under which he was hiding with his comrades. But the biggest question is why did it take Netanyahu 15 days to confirm?

The delay in confirmation was due to intelligence verification, forensic investigation and Hamas’ silence. Foreign media reported the bodies of Sinwar and Mohammad Shabanah being found, but the IDF was cautious. It took time to remove the bodies from the rubble and do DNA analysis. The IDF located Sinwar’s location based on intelligence and launched a precise attack. DNA, dental records and biometric tests were conducted to identify the bodies. Additional attacks prevented access to the debris, which delayed the process.

Mohammad Sinwar, born in Khan Younis, joined Hamas in 1987. He was arrested in 1991 and the 1990s, but escaped from prison in 2000. In 2005, he became the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade. He was involved in the kidnapping of Gilad Shalit in 2006. A reward of $300,000 was announced on him for his role in the 7 October 2023 attack. He became Hamas chief from October 2024 when Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was killed.