Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel has “probably” killed Mohammed Sinwar, the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza.
At a press conference on Wednesday evening, Netanyahu said, “We have eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists. We have removed the leaders of the attackers Deif, Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and probably Mohammed Sinwar.”
Israel targeted Sinwar during a large series of strikes on the European hospital in Khan Younis last week. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that 28 Palestinians were killed and over 50 others were injured in the attack.
If confirmed, Sinwar’s death would be the latest in a series of targeted killings that have seriously weakened Hamas’ leadership, though the group remains in control.
Sinwar is the brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military in southern Gaza in October.
CNN has sought a comment from Hamas.
During his first press conference in months, Netanyahu also promised that Israel would continue its military operation in Gaza.
“Our forces are taking control of more areas in Gaza,” he said. “By the end of this operation, all parts of the Gaza Strip will be under Israeli security control.”
Netanyahu said Israel might agree to a temporary ceasefire that includes the release of hostages, but the war would only end after certain conditions are met.
These conditions include Gaza becoming demilitarized, Hamas being removed from power, and the implementation of a US plan for voluntary relocation of Gaza residents.
“Gaza will be completely demilitarized, and we will carry out the Trump plan, which is clear and important. It states that residents of Gaza who want to leave will be able to do so,” he explained.
He added, “Anyone who asks us to stop the war before these goals are reached is asking us to leave Hamas in power.”
In February, former President Trump proposed that the United States take control of Gaza, relocate Palestinians to neighboring countries, and rebuild Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
This plan marked a major change from the long-standing US policy of supporting a two-state solution and caused significant reactions in the region.
Netanyahu also said Israel is working closely with the United States on issues related to Iran.
The Trump administration is seeking a new nuclear agreement with Tehran that would stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and uranium enrichment.
CNN reported on Tuesday that US intelligence indicates Israel may be preparing for a possible strike on Iran’s nuclear sites.
“Israel has the right to defend itself against a regime that threatens to destroy it,” Netanyahu said.
This story is still developing and will be updated.
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