Israel is arming local militias in Gaza in an effort to counter Hamas in the besieged enclave, officials say, as opposition politicians warned that the move endangers national security.

Following the elimination of Hamas's Gaza chief, Muhammad Sinwar, the Islamist group will have to choose a new leader to head the organization in the territory. However, Israel's eliminations of Hamas leaders will make it difficult to find a suitable successor.

He was the younger brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former Hamas leader killed by Israel last year. Hamas did not immediately respond to the claim of his death.

The Israeli military said on Saturday it killed Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas' Gaza chief on May 13, confirming what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said earlier this week. Mohammad Sinwar was the target of an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza earlier this month.

Mohammad Sinwar, Hamas's Gaza leader and brother of slain commander Yahya Sinwar, has been confirmed dead by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the man believed to be the head of Hamas’ armed wing, Mohammed Sinwar, has been killed, apparently confirming his death in a recent strike in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Prime Minister confirmed the Hamas leader's death during a speech that marked 600 days since October 7.

Speaking on Wednesday in the Knesset, Israel's parliament, Netanyahu said that Sinwar was killed in an Israeli airstrike, but did not provide specifics.

Senior Hamas official says group is open to serious talks for a permanent ceasefire and hostage release, blames Israel for obstructing progress.