Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Palestinian militant group Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar appears to have been killed.
Netanyahu said during a press conference held in Jerusalem on the 21st (local time), "It appears we have eliminated Mohammed Sinwar," as reported by The Times of Israel. This marks Netanyahu's first official press conference in about five months since December of last year.
The Israeli military previously bombed a European hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on the 13th, with Sinwar reportedly being the target. However, neither the Israeli side nor Hamas has officially confirmed his status until now.
The Times of Israel reported on the 18th, citing Saudi Arabia's Al Hadath news channel, that Sinwar's body was found.
Sinwar was a rare senior commander among Hamas who survived the war, having effectively served as the head of Hamas in Gaza. He is the brother of Yahya Sinwar, the highest political leader of Hamas who orchestrated the surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, and he took over the position after his brother was killed by Israeli forces. His age is reported to be around 50.
He has recently been known to have taken a hardline stance during negotiations for the release of hostages and a ceasefire. Therefore, if his death is confirmed, there are predictions that future ceasefire agreements could be somewhat easier.
Netanyahu stated that there are currently 20 surviving hostages and a maximum of 38 hostages already killed in Gaza, emphasizing, "We will bring them all back." He added, "Once this operation is completed, all of Gaza will be under Israeli control, and Hamas will be completely defeated."
The Israeli military has recently launched a military operation known as "Gideon's Chariots," resuming extensive ground operations from the weekend and intensifying military offensives targeting Hamas.
Regarding the conditions for a ceasefire, Netanyahu said, "We are prepared to end the war only when all hostages return, Hamas disarms, relinquishes power, and its leadership is expelled from Gaza."
He also added, "Gaza must be completely disarmed, and thereafter we will implement the "Trump plan," calling it "a very appropriate and revolutionary plan." President Donald Trump revealed earlier this year his plan to relocate Palestinian residents from Gaza and develop the area into a resort under U.S. leadership.