The Israeli military on Thursday said it is investigating the possibility that it has killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, one of the masterminds of the devastating October 7 attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war.
At this stage, his identity cannot be confirmed, said the military.
During a recent operation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the Gaza Strip, three terrorists were killed one of which could be Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar.
In a post on X, the IDF said: “During an activity by IDF fighters in the Gaza Strip, three terrorists were killed. The IDF and Shin Bet are investigating the possibility that one of the terrorists is Yahya Sinwar. At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed … In the building where the terrorists were eliminated, there were no signs of the presence of hostages in the area. The forces that are operating in the area are continuing to operate with the required caution.”
The potential confirmation of Sinwar’s death would have significant implications for both Hamas and the broader geopolitical landscape in the region.
As the chief architect of the October 7 attacks and a key figure in Hamas’s military strategy, his absence would necessitate a power shift, potentially leading to internal struggles as factions vie for control.
One of Israel’s stated ‘war goals’ was to eliminate Sinwar.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly referred to Sinwar in stark terms, labeling him a “dead man” due to Israel’s ongoing efforts to eliminate him as a threat.
Sinwar orchestrated the October 7 massacre, which led to the deaths of over 1,200 people, including Israelis and other nationalities alike, and took over 250 people hostage, of which 101 remain in Gaza.
Of the 101 hostages, the IDF confirmed that 48 were killed in captivity.
Netanyahu has also accused Sinwar of sabotaging ceasefire negotiations, suggesting that his refusal to compromise stems from a desire to maintain power amid the ongoing conflict1.
The Hamas terror chief was believed to be surrounded by the remaining hostages as a human shield, which has reportedly prevented the IDF from striking and killing him. Again, the IDF reiterated in their statement that no signs of hostages were present at the site of the strike.
Despite being a target for assassination, Sinwar remains elusive, reportedly hiding within Gaza’s extensive tunnel network. His survival tactics and leadership style have made him a central figure in Hamas’s resistance against Israel, further complicating any potential pathways toward peace in the region.
Israel has killed several commanders of Hamas in Gaza as well as senior figures of Hezbollah in Lebanon, including its veteran leader Hassan Nasrallah, dealing heavy blows to its arch-foes.
Hamas has not commented on the fate of Sinwar, who was recently elevated to paramount leader of the Palestinian militant group.
(This is a developing story)
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