Long considered a planner of Hamas’s military strategy in Gaza, Sinwar consolidated his power when he was chosen in August to lead the group’s political office as well. He was elevated to that post after the assassination of the group’s political chief, Ismail Haniyeh.

The announcement of Sinwar's death follows Israel’s earlier assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a large-scale strike in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have been engaged in conflict since late September. In addition, several Iran-backed commanders have also been killed in Israeli operations over the past few months.