Israeli Airstrikes Target Hamas Leader in Khan Younis

Israeli military operations in southern Gaza escalate as airstrikes focus on the capture of Mohammad Sinwar, a senior Hamas commander, challenging the ongoing territorial strife.

On the evening of May 13, 2025, Israeli fighter jets launched a series of airstrikes on Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza, aiming to eliminate Mohammad Sinwar, one of the highest-ranking remaining leaders of Hamas, according to military sources. These officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, indicated that the strikes were part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle Hamas’s leadership following an extended period of warfare.

Simultaneously, Israeli forces targeted a Hamas command center located beneath the European Hospital, sparking concerns about civilian safety in the immediately affected area. Eyewitness videos captured the dramatic plumes of smoke rising from the vicinity of the hospital, although details regarding damage to its infrastructure remain uncertain.

Israel has conveyed its intention to execute further large-scale military operations within the Gaza Strip unless Hamas ceases its armed resistance and hands over approximately 20 living hostages, alongside the remains of about 40 others. Leaders from Hamas have firmly rejected these demands, asserting that they will not consider disarmament or the release of hostages until Israel concludes its military actions.

Mohammad Sinwar holds significant prominence within Hamas, especially in the aftermath of ongoing conflicts, notably as he is the sibling of Yahya Sinwar, the organization’s previous leader, who was killed by Israeli forces last year. Yahya Sinwar was instrumental in orchestrating the attacks on October 7, 2023, which precipitated the current war.

Contributing reporting by Aric Toler. Ronen Bergman and Aaron Boxerman report for The New York Times, providing on-the-ground coverage from Israel and Gaza.