Since Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was eliminated by Israel, his brother, Mohamed, has been the most hawkish terror leader in the Strip, the one refusing any hostage release deal that didn’t include ending the war.

It was only intense US pressure, combined with the unusual direct talks between Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and senior Hamas officials, that led to the release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander.

A day later, Sinwar convened a meeting of the military wing’s top brass in the underground complex beneath the European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Walla reported. The complex includes a conference room and command center, from where Sinwar managed the war since his brother was eliminated.

Among those present at the unusual meeting were the Rafah Brigade Commander, Muhammad Shabana, who was also viewed as one of Sinwar’s successors, and the military wing’s spokesman, Abu Obeida. Other field commanders of lower ranks were also present at the site.

Israel received “golden intelligence” regarding the time and location of the meeting. Shortly later, powerful explosions shook Khan Younis and the surrounding area.

The operation to eliminate Sinwar already took shape six months ago, but was postponed many times for various reasons.

Security officials who spoke with Walla said that Mohamed always operated in the shadow of senior Hamas officials who were an inspiration to him, but cruelty was part of his character, and this was expressed not only in planning attacks and building terrorist infrastructure but also in the execution of collaborators, at times with his bare hands.

He accumulated power slowly, in the shadow of others, as “the brother of.” After the elimination of his brother Yahya in Rafah, he entered the role “naturally.”

“During the war, he was involved in the perception and policy against Israel,” a security source told Walla. “He continued this after everyone was killed. Therefore, his neutralization is a very significant event. Ultimately, he was the figure with the most experience, action, and understanding of the other side.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)