Health officials and civil defense workers say the true toll is likely thousands higher, since many bodies remain buried under the rubble of buildings destroyed in airstrikes.

Hamas has survived the killing of several top leaders across more than three decades, while maintaining a high degree of internal cohesion – and tapping Yahya Sinwar, who tops Israel’s most-wanted list, was a show of defiance.

The killing could prompt Hamas to pull out of negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage release deal.