Israeli forces have confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, in a firefight in southern Gaza. Sinwar, who masterminded the 7 October attacks, had been on the run for more than a year. He was reportedly hiding in Gaza’s tunnels, surrounded by a small group of bodyguards and a “human shield” of hostages. The IDF released drone footage on Thursday that reportedly captures Sinwar’s final moments.
Israeli troops from the 828th Bislamach Brigade were on a routine patrol in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah on Wednesday when they engaged three fighters. After the brief skirmish, the soldiers didn’t realize that one of the dead closely resembled Sinwar. They returned the next day and sent part of a finger from one of the bodies to Israel for identification.
The man, later identified as Sinwar, was killed after being tracked by a drone. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had not known Sinwar was there initially. His small group of bodyguards and the absence of hostages suggested he was trying to move unnoticed. Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, “Sinwar died while on the run – not as a commander but as someone only concerned for himself.”
Confirming Sinwar’s Death
On Thursday, Israeli officials announced they were investigating the possibility that Sinwar had been killed. Within hours, images surfaced on social media showing a man resembling Sinwar with severe head injuries. By Thursday evening, Israel officially confirmed his death.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remarked that “evil had been dealt a blow” but warned that the war in Gaza was far from over. “We will continue until all our hostages are brought home,” he said, addressing the families of the 101 Israelis still held by Hamas.
The Drone Footage
Drone footage released by the IDF on Thursday purportedly shows Sinwar’s final moments. The video, shot from a drone flying through a destroyed building, shows a man with his head covered sitting in an armchair. The man, believed to be Sinwar, throws a stick at the drone before the footage cuts off. Israeli forces later confirmed his death after tests.
Sinwar’s death was a significant achievement for Israel, which had targeted him since the attacks of 7 October. He had evaded capture for over a year, but Israeli forces had been closing in on his location. Intelligence operations had narrowed his hiding place to Rafah, and the IDF intensified its efforts in the region.
Israel had already killed other key Hamas leaders, including Mohammad Dief and Ismail Haniyeh, and dismantled parts of Hamas’s infrastructure. Sinwar, realizing the pressure was growing, had tried to move discreetly but ultimately fell during a chance encounter with Israeli troops.
Continued Fighting in Gaza
Despite Sinwar’s death, Israel insists the conflict will continue. Netanyahu emphasized that the war would not end until all hostages were freed. Israeli forces continue their operations in Gaza, determined to dismantle Hamas’s remaining leadership and infrastructure.
Families of Israeli hostages have expressed hope that Sinwar’s death may pave the way for a ceasefire and the release of their loved ones. However, the Israeli government has not indicated any plans for a ceasefire in the immediate future.
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