Israel said on Thursday that it had successfully killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, a key figure behind the 7 October attack on Israel. His body was discovered among the rubble in Gaza, where Israeli forces had unknowingly come across him during a battle in Rafah. His identity was later confirmed through DNA, dental records, and fingerprints.
Sinwar’s remains were reportedly found with a bulletproof vest, grenades, and 40,000 shekels, according to Israeli military officials.Footage released by the Israeli military shows Sinwar’s final moments, captured by a drone deployed to survey the area. The footage showed the Hamas leader, visibly injured, attempting to throw a piece of wood at the drone in a desperate attempt to avoid detection. Moments later, another strike on the building caused it to collapse, killing Sinwar and two other militants.
Sinwar’s involvement in the 7 October attack, which left over 1,200 people dead and resulted in the kidnapping of around 250 Israelis, made him one of Israel’s most-wanted individuals. He played a crucial role in orchestrating the surprise assault that triggered the current conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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His death is being celebrated by Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described it as a major victory against Hamas.
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Netanyahu said, “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is the start of the day after Hamas,” reinforcing Israel’s commitment to continue its military campaign until all hostages are released and Hamas is fully dismantled. Defence minister Yoav Gallant urged Hamas fighters to surrender and release the remaining hostages.
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While Israel sees Sinwar’s death as a turning point, Hamas has not yet confirmed the loss of its leader.
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Who was Yahya Sinwar?
- Born in 1962 in a refugee camp in Khan Younis, Gaza.
- A founding member of Hamas, joining the group in 1987.
- Nicknamed “The Butcher of Khan Younis” for his role in killing suspected collaborators.
- Arrested by Israel in the late 1980s, he was sentenced to four life terms but was released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange.
- Became the head of Hamas in Gaza, working closely with Iran to bolster the group’s military power.
- Was instrumental in the
October 7 attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing conflict.
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