Hamas has officially confirmed the deaths of five senior leaders, a development marking one of the most significant blows to the terror organization since the start of the Gaza war, according to reports.
In a Monday statement from the group’s armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas announced that Mohammed al-Sinwar—brother of former Hamas leader Yahya al-Sinwar—was killed during Israeli military operations in Gaza, according to the .
Al-Sinwar had risen to a senior role within the organization and was widely viewed as a key figure in Hamas’ wartime command following the deaths of other top commanders.
The Israeli military also stated in May that he was killed in an airstrike targeting a Hamas command center beneath the European Hospital in Khan Younis.
Hamas did not immediately specify the exact date of his death but acknowledged he had been killed earlier this year.
Hamas also confirmed the death of Abu Obeida, the longtime masked spokesperson of the al-Qassam Brigades who became the public face of the group’s military wing during the war, per .
In its announcement, Hamas revealed for the first time that his real name was Hudhayfa Samir Abdullah al-Kahlout.
According to Israeli statements, Abu Obeida was killed in an Israeli strike on Gaza City in late August.
While Israel had previously announced his death, Monday’s statement marked the first official confirmation by Hamas itself.
Among the other senior figures confirmed dead was Raed Saad, a high-ranking commander within the al-Qassam Brigades, the reported.
Israel announced on Dec. 13 that Saad had been killed in a targeted strike after months of tracking his movements through Gaza’s tunnel network.
Israeli security officials described Saad as one of the key figures behind the , 2023, attack where around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage.
Hamas also acknowledged the deaths of Mohammed Shabanah, head of its Rafah Brigade, and Hakam al-Issa, a veteran commander and one of the founders of the al-Qassam Brigades.
Israel reported that both men were killed in separate incidents earlier this year, with al-Issa dying during attacks on the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.
The confirmations came despite a ceasefire that took effect in October.
Speaking Monday after meeting the Israeli Prime Minister at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, President Trump also warned that Hamas must disarm soon or face severe consequences.
“They’re going to be given a very short period of time to disarm,” Trump said.
The president added that the next phase of the Gaza peace plan could move forward quickly if Hamas lays down its weapons.