Jerusalem
CNN
–
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel “probably” killed Mohamed Singhwar, the elusive and de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza.
“We’ve eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists,” Netanyahu said at a press conference Wednesday evening. “We have eliminated the leaders of the murderers Deif, Hanie, Yahyasinwar and perhaps Mohammad Singhwar.”
Israel targeted Singwar last week on a set of large strikes at Khan Eunice’s European hospital. The attack killed 28 Palestinians and injured more than 50 others, the Palestinian Health Ministry said after the strike.
If Singhwaal’s death is confirmed, it will be the latest in a series of assassins that have dealt a serious blow to the group’s top brass, but have yet to break the grip on power.
Singwar is the brother of former leader Yahya Singwar, who was killed by Israeli forces in southern Gaza in October.
CNN reached out to Hamas for comment.
At his first press conference in months, Netanyahu also vowed that Israel would not stop the newly launched military operation in Gaza.
“Our forces are capturing more and more territory in Gaza,” he said. “At the end of the operation, all areas of the strip are under Israeli security controls.”
Netanyahu said Israel could agree to a temporary ceasefire, including the release of hostages, but said the end of the war would only come with a list of conditions, including the condemnation of Gaza, the overthrow of Hamas, and the implementation of a US plan for voluntary immigration from the enclave of enclaves.
“Anyone who calls us to stop the war before these goals are achieved is calling on us to leave Hamas to power,” he said.
Netanyahu also said there is “full coordination” with the US over Iran as the Trump administration pursues a new nuclear deal with Tehran. He said Iran must acquire nuclear weapons and prevent it from halting uranium enrichment. CNN reported Tuesday that the US intelligence agency suggests Israel is preparing to strike at Iran’s nuclear facility.
“Israel maintains its right to protect itself from a regime that threatens to destroy it,” Netanyahu said.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
