Israel has confirmed its forces have killed Hamas’s Gaza chief, Mohammad Sinwar, as US Center East envoy Steve Witkoff referred to as the group’s counter-offer on a ceasefire “totally unacceptable”.
Mohammad Sinwar grew to become the chief of the militant group within the Gaza Strip after his older brother Yahya Sinwar was killed final October.
In a press release, the Israeli army mentioned it had killed Sinwar on 13 Could, and was the goal of a strike on a hospital in southern Gaza.
Hamas has neither confirmed nor denied his loss of life, however Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu informed parliament on Wednesday that he had been “eliminated”.
Picture:
A handout picture of Mohammed Sinwar from December 2023. Pic: Israeli Military / Reuters
Who was ‘The Shadow’ Mohammed Sinwar?
Mohammed Sinwar was the youthful brother of Yahyah Sinwar, the previous chief of Hamas and mastermind behind the 7 October assaults, who was killed by IDF forces in Rafah final October.
In January of this yr, Mohammed was confirmed as the brand new chief of Hamas in Gaza, following the loss of life of his brother.
Amongst Palestinians, he by no means had the popularity of Yahya, however he was extensively believed to have performed a major function within the kidnap and holding of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006 and demanded the discharge of Yahya Sinwar from Israeli jail as a part of a swap deal.
Born in Khan Younis, Mohammed Sinwar rose via the ranks of Hamas to develop into a senior commander in Al Qassam Brigades, the group’s army wing.
He was often called ‘The Shadow’, partially due to the junior function he performed to his older brother and likewise as a result of few pictures of him exist.
He survived a number of assassination makes an attempt and was beforehand incorrectly declared useless throughout Israel’s warfare in Gaza.
Sinwar had a popularity for being cussed, and Israeli sources within the ceasefire negotiations blamed him for slowing the method and altering his calls for on the final minute.
The IDF has confirmed he was with the commander of the Rafah brigade, Mohammed Shabanah, in tunnels beneath the European Hospital in Gaza when the IDF struck in mid-Could. Shabanah’s loss of life is critical as a result of he was a possible successor to Sinwar.
It will go away Azadi al-Hadad, the Gaza Metropolis Brigade Commander, as the one dwelling Hamas commander from 7 October.
He would doubtless be in line as the following Hamas chief in Gaza.
Hamas seeks modifications in US ceasefire proposal
It comes as Hamas mentioned it was in search of amendments to a US-proposed ceasefire deal, providing 10 dwelling Israeli hostages and the our bodies of 18 in change for Palestinian prisoners.
On Thursday, the White Home mentioned Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal, which might see the discharge of 9 dwelling hostages and half of the identified hostages who’ve died over the course of every week.
Israel and Hamas would then proceed talks to deliver the remaining hostages dwelling, however Israel would retain the proper to renew army motion in Gaza if talks have been to interrupt down.
In a press release concerning the proposal on Saturday, Hamas mentioned its response “aims to achieve a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to our people in the Strip”.
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Israeli ambassador claims ‘no hunger in Gaza’
Hamas provide ‘completely unacceptable’ – Witkoff
Donald Trump’s particular Center East envoy, Mr Witkoff, mentioned on social media that Hamas’s response is “totally unacceptable and only takes us backwards”.
“Hamas should accept the framework proposal we put forward as the basis for proximity talks, which we can begin immediately this coming week,” he added.
Senior Hamas official Basem Naim informed Reuters that the group has not rejected the proposal however added Mr Witkoff’s response was “unfair” and confirmed “complete bias” in direction of Israel.
Israel has not but responded to Hamas’ counter-offer, however has beforehand rejected the situations and demanded the whole disarmament and dismantling of the group.
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In the meantime, Gaza assist teams have mentioned dozens of World Meals Programme (WFP) vehicles carrying flour to Gaza bakeries had been hijacked by armed teams and subsequently looted by individuals.
The WFP added: “After nearly 80 days of a total blockade, communities are starving and they are no longer willing to watch food pass them by.”
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Amjad Al-Shawa, head of an umbrella group representing Palestinian assist teams, mentioned lots of extra vehicles have been wanted and accused Israel of a “systematic policy of starvation”.
Israel denies working a coverage of hunger and says it’s facilitating assist deliveries through the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Basis. As an alternative, it accuses Hamas of stealing provides.
