Israeli forces launched an airstrike targeting Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar at European Hospital in Khan Younis on May 13 in a significant escalation of their military campaign in Gaza, according to Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet security agencies. While Sinwar may have been intended as the target, his fate remains unclear at this time and remains unconfirmed by authorities or confirmed in media sources such as POLITICO, The Times, Axios or Wikipedia (with India Today +2 and Wikipedia +2) but not New York Post or The Australian News as yet. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the airstrike caused at least 28 fatalities and many injuries; among the injured was a freelance journalist affiliated with BBC. A major medical facility in southern Gaza also suffered substantial damage with large craters forming within its courtyard and surrounding areas as a result. (Wikipedia +2) Mohammed Sinwar was born in Khan Younis refugee camp and assumed leadership of Hamas after Yahya Sinwar was killed in an Israeli drone strike on October 24, 2024. Since then, under Mohammed’s command Hamas has continued hostilities against Israel including attacks that reignited it again on October 7, 2023 (BILD/Wikipedia/The Australian). IDF claimed their operation was a “precise strike” on Hamas militants operating from within a command and control center beneath a hospital, however this tactic has received wide international condemnation; French President Emmanuel Macron described the attack as “shameful,” while United Nations officials have requested further investigations into potential violations of international humanitarian law. Wikipedia > +10 The Times The airstrike occurred as U.S., Qatar and Egypt conducted ceasefire negotiations in Doha to secure Hamas’ release of any remaining hostages held captive, and establish a lasting truce. Israel issued a three-day deadline to Hamas to meet their demands or face intensified military operations if the group failed to do so – POLITICO +2 The Times +2 => Axios. The European Hospital, founded with funding from the European Union in 1989 and serving as a critical healthcare provider in Gaza Strip since its opening, has come under pressure due to a strike at an already overstretched medical infrastructure which has seen shortages of supplies and personnel due to ongoing conflict. Its The Times, Wikipedia and POLITICO reported about it. As events develop, the international community remains vigilant of any effects from strikes that have taken place and their implications on fragile ceasefire negotiations. A possible strike on Mohammed Sinwar would profoundly shift dynamics of conflict but also raises grave humanitarian concerns as well as any prospects of peaceful resolution.
