A massive wave of Israeli airstrikes shook southern Gaza on Tuesday afternoon, with Palestinian media reporting intense bombardment near the European Hospital in Khan Younis. Israeli defense officials have since confirmed that the IDF, in coordination with the Shin Bet, conducted a precision strike targeting a Hamas underground command and control center buried beneath the hospital.

The target, according to reports, was Muhammad Sinwar, the acting leader of Hamas in Gaza and brother of former chief Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the IDF several months ago. It remains unknown whether Sinwar survived the strike, though initial assessments suggest the odds of survival are slim. Several underground tunnels in the area reportedly collapsed following the strike, further complicating search and rescue or recovery efforts.

In a joint statement, the IDF and ISA said the strike was carried out using precise munitions and supported by real-time aerial surveillance and extensive intelligence to minimize civilian casualties. The statement emphasized that “numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians and civilian infrastructure,” despite Hamas’s continued use of hospitals as shields for terrorist activity.

“The Hamas terrorist organization continues to use hospitals in the Gaza Strip for terrorist activity, demonstrating its cynical and brutal use of the civilian population in the hospital and its surroundings,” the statement read.

If confirmed, the elimination of Muhammad Sinwar would mark a major blow to Hamas’s operational leadership in Gaza. Sinwar, who took de facto command after his brother’s reported death, has been a central figure in obstructing hostage negotiations. According to reports from earlier this week, Sinwar opposed any deal that fell short of a complete ceasefire, while Hamas Shura Council chairman Mohammed Darwish expressed support for a proposed 50–60 day truce in exchange for the release of 10 hostages.

Analysts say Sinwar’s removal could significantly shift internal dynamics within Hamas and open the door for renewed negotiations over hostages still held in Gaza.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)