Israel has discovered the body of Hamas chief Muhammad Sinwar hidden beneath a Gaza hospital, along with weapons and military intelligence that validate long-standing claims about Hamas using civilian facilities for terror operations.

At a Glance

• Israeli forces retrieved Muhammad Sinwar’s body from tunnels 25 feet below a hospital in Khan Yunis
• The Hamas leader likely died of asphyxiation after bombing raids collapsed the tunnel network
• Troops discovered stolen IDF weapons, explosives, maps, and operational plans in the tunnels
• The discovery confirms Hamas was using an EU-funded hospital to coordinate military operations
• Evidence suggests Israeli hostages taken in October 2023 were held in these tunnels

Body Recovery Operation Beneath Hospital

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released dramatic footage showing the moment troops retrieved the body of Muhammad Sinwar, a top Hamas military chief, from tunnels running beneath a Gaza hospital. The operation, captured on soldiers’ body cameras, revealed an elaborate underground network approximately 25 feet below the European Hospital in Khan Yunis. Sinwar’s corpse was discovered on a filthy mattress in a small room connected to the tunnel system, with Israeli forces reporting a strong odor of death permeating the area.

DNA tests confirmed the body was indeed Muhammad Sinwar, brother of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Personal documentation including a driver’s license was found with the body. Muhammad had become the leader of Hamas in Gaza and chief of its armed wing following his brother’s assassination. Military officials believe he likely died of asphyxiation after Israeli bombing raids caused sections of the tunnel network to collapse, trapping him inside.

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Weapons Cache and Military Operations Center

The discovery yielded far more than just Sinwar’s body. IDF troops uncovered an extensive cache of weapons and military equipment within the tunnel complex, including stolen IDF guns, explosives, maps, and detailed operational plans. The find represents significant intelligence value for Israeli forces as they continue operations against Hamas. The tunnel system appeared to function as a command center, with evidence suggesting Sinwar coordinated terrorist operations from directly beneath the EU-funded hospital facility.

In addition to the weapons, soldiers found mattresses, clothes, bottles, and other items indicating prolonged occupation of the underground facility. The IDF stated that the discovery provides concrete proof that Hamas has been using civilian medical facilities as shields for military operations. Perhaps most critically, the military suggested that some Israeli hostages taken during the October 2023 attacks were likely held in these same tunnels at some point during their captivity.

Strategic Significance of the Discovery

The IDF celebrated Sinwar’s death as a major victory in their ongoing campaign against Hamas leadership. As the de facto military commander for Hamas operations, Sinwar was responsible for numerous attacks resulting in civilian casualties. His elimination, along with the treasure trove of intelligence and weapons seized from the tunnel complex, represents a significant blow to Hamas’s operational capabilities in the region.

Israeli officials emphasized that the discovery of a fully equipped military base beneath a hospital validates their longstanding assertions about Hamas’s tactics. The evidence collected demonstrates how the terrorist organization has systematically exploited civilian infrastructure, particularly medical facilities, to shield military operations from Israeli strikes. The IDF stated that the intelligence gathered from the site will be crucial for understanding Hamas’s command structure and potentially locating remaining hostages.

Hospital Tunnel Network Exposed

The tunnel system itself was sophisticated and extensive, clearly designed for long-term occupation and military operations. Running approximately 25 feet below the hospital, the network included multiple rooms and passages connecting different areas. This discovery aligns with previous Israeli findings of tunnel networks beneath other civilian facilities in Gaza, including schools and residential areas. The European Hospital in Khan Yunis, where Sinwar’s body was found, had received EU funding intended for humanitarian purposes.

The IDF released additional drone footage showing the extent of the tunnel network, revealing how Hamas had incorporated the underground system into the hospital’s infrastructure. This physical evidence provides concrete support for Israel’s military strategy, which has included targeting locations believed to house Hamas command centers despite their proximity to civilian facilities. The military stated this discovery represents just one part of an extensive underground network Hamas has constructed throughout Gaza.