In a major development in the Israel-Hamas conflict, Mohammad Sinwar, the Gaza chief of Hamas, has been eliminated by Israeli forces, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday.

Mohammad Sinwar, brother of slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, had taken over both military and political command of Hamas in Gaza after Yahya's death. Nicknamed "The Shadow" for his covert operations, he was key in orchestrating the October 2023 attacks on Israel, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 abducted.

Israeli forces had targeted Sinwar earlier this month in southern Gaza airstrikes, though confirmation came only now.

Born in Khan Yunis refugee camp, Sinwar rose through Hamas's ranks over decades and was long sought by Israeli intelligence. He played a major role in the 2006 abduction of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, which led to a major prisoner exchange in 2011.

This strike marks a significant blow to Hamas’s leadership.