The body of Mohammed Sinwar, Hamas’s top commander in Gaza, was reportedly found in a tunnel under the European Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, following an Israeli airstrike last week.

On Tuesday, the Israeli Air Force targeted a tunnel beneath the hospital where Sinwar was believed to be hiding. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reported that 16 people were killed and more than 70 injured in the strike.

Al-Hadath, a Saudi news channel, reported that Sinwar’s body was recently discovered at the site along with ten of his aides and Mohammad Shabana, commander of the Rafah Brigade.

Israel’s Defense Minister did not release a statement confirming Sinwar’s death but says all signs point to his elimination.

“There’s no official confirmation, but according to all the indications Muhammad Sinwar was eliminated,” Defense Minister Israel Katz said. 

Sinwar became Hamas’s top commander in Gaza after his brother, Yahya Sinwar, was killed by Israeli forces in October 2024. A third brother, Zakaria Sinwar, was reported killed in another strike on Saturday night. However, doctors later said he was alive but in critical condition.

Hamas has not yet confirmed the death of Sinwar. However, reports stated that the group is already considering potential successors. Among the figures being discussed are Ezzedine al-Haddad, head of the Gaza City Division; Nizar Awadallah, a senior political leader; and Khalil al-Haya, another prominent member of Hamas’s political wing.