Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel “probably” killed Mohammed Sinwar , the elusive de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza, CNN reported.

“We have eliminated tens of thousands of terrorists,” Netanyahu told a news conference. “We have eliminated the leaders of the murderers Deif, Hanieh, Yahya Sinwar and probably Mohammed Sinwar .”

Israel carried out massive strikes on the European hospital in Khan Younis last week, targeting Sinwar . The attack killed 28 Palestinians and wounded more than 50, the Palestinian Health Ministry said after the strike.

If Sinwar's death is confirmed, it would be the latest in a string of assassinations that have dealt a serious blow to the group's senior leadership but have yet to end its power.

Sinwar is the brother of former leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli army in southern Gaza in October.

In his first press conference in months, Netanyahu also vowed that Israel would not halt its newly launched military operation in Gaza.

“Our forces are seizing more and more territory in Gaza,” the Israeli prime minister said. “At the end of the operation, all areas of the Strip will be under Israeli control.”

Netanyahu said Israel may agree to a temporary ceasefire that includes the release of hostages, but there will only be an end to the war if a number of conditions are met, including the demilitarisation of Gaza, the ouster of Hamas and the implementation of the US plan for voluntary emigration from the besieged enclave.

“Anyone who calls on us to stop the war before these goals are achieved is calling on us to leave Hamas in power,” he added.

The prime minister said there is “full coordination” with the US on Iran as the Trump administration negotiates a new nuclear agreement with Tehran. He said any agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and stop uranium enrichment.

“The state of Israel reserves its right to defend itself against a regime that threatens to destroy it,” Netanyahu added. | BGNES