Israel confirms death of Hamas leader, dozens killed outside food distribution centre

Israeli authorities have confirmed the death of Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, after locating and verifying his body inside Israel.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Sinwar was found underground, reportedly near the European Hospital in Khan Younis, where he was believed to have been operating from an underground command and control center.

Footage released on Sunday appears to show a weapon lying near his body. The IDF stated that Sinwar was killed in an airstrike last month targeting the area.

Meanwhile, Palestinian health officials and eyewitnesses reported that at least 12 people were killed and others wounded by Israeli fire on Sunday as they attempted to reach two aid distribution sites in Gaza operated by an Israeli- and U.S.-backed group.

Israel’s military claimed it fired warning shots toward individuals approaching its forces.

Over the past two weeks, repeated shootings have occurred near the newly established aid distribution points, where thousands of Palestinians — facing dire conditions after nearly 20 months of conflict — are gathering in search of food. Witnesses allege that Israeli forces have opened fire near these sites, resulting in over 80 deaths, according to Gaza hospital sources.

In total, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that at least 108 bodies were brought to hospitals within the past 24 hours. Israel’s military stated it had struck dozens of militant targets across the Gaza Strip during that time.

With local food production largely wiped out, Gaza’s population of approximately 2 million people is heavily dependent on international aid.

The new aid distribution hubs are managed by the GHF, a recently established organization composed largely of American contractors. Israel supports replacing the existing UN-coordinated aid delivery system with this new framework.

While Israel and the U.S. accuse Hamas of diverting aid, the United Nations denies systematic theft and warns that the alternative system is insufficient to meet growing needs. The UN also argues that the setup enables Israel to control aid access and forces displaced people to move toward aid points determined by military strategy.