How a secret meeting led Israel straight to Muhammad Sinwar

In the days following the dramatic release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, Israeli intelligence scored what sources have called a “golden piece of information”, a rare glimpse into the movements of Mohammed Sinwar, one of Hamas’s most hardline military commanders.

According to a report by Walla, the intelligence pointed to a planned meeting of Hamas’s military leadership beneath Khan Yunis’s European Hospital, a complex believed to house both a command center and conference room used by Sinwar himself. Within hours, Israeli airstrikes rocked the area.

Sinwar, the younger brother of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, had long been considered a ruthless strategist, known not only for organizing attacks but also for reportedly executing suspected collaborators personally. His refusal to compromise during negotiations with Israel, particularly his demand for a full end to the war as a condition for any deal, often put him at odds even within Hamas's own leadership ranks.

Security officials say that Sinwar, once overshadowed by senior commanders, grew into the role of operational chief after Yahya’s assassination by Israeli forces in October 2024. “He was the man for special missions,” one official told Walla. “His experience, tactical thinking, and understanding of the enemy made him the most significant figure left on the battlefield.”

That prominence made him a priority target. Israeli defense officials had reportedly been preparing for months to strike Sinwar’s underground compound, though the operation was delayed several times. The timing, just after Alexander’s release, suggests a shift in U.S.-Israel coordination as well. American pressure reportedly played a role in softening Hamas’s negotiating position, ultimately leading to Alexander's freedom. (That, and Edan's US passport, of course).

Footage from the scene shows part of the European Hospital damaged in the blast, and Palestinian witnesses described a prolonged and targeted assault.

Sinwar was one of the last remaining figures with both the authority and appetite to continue the war.

According to Al-Hadath, his body was recently recovered along with the remains of 10 of his aides.

There was also evidence that Mohammad Shabana, commander of the Rafah Brigade in Hamas’s military wing, was killed in the strike, according to Times of Israel.

JPost contributed to this article.