Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar feared killed in Israeli operation in Gaza

Yahya Sinwar, a high-ranking Hamas leader believed to have played a key role in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, is feared dead following an Israeli operation in Gaza.

Israeli authorities are currently investigating the possibility, though official confirmation is yet to be provided.

According to sources cited by the BBC, a growing assessment suggests that Sinwar, 61, may have been killed, but final verification is still required.

Graphic images circulating online show a body bearing a striking resemblance to Sinwar lying among the rubble of a recently targeted building, with visible fatal injuries.

Sinwar, who was released from Israeli prison in 2011 during a high-profile prisoner swap, rose to prominence within Hamas as a hardline figure, opting for military confrontation over diplomacy with Israel.

He has long been Israel’s most wanted figure in Gaza, accused of masterminding the October 7 assault, which saw over 1,200 Israeli citizens killed and more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza.

Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant made a public statement quoting the Torah, signalling Israel’s unwavering resolve to eliminate those responsible for attacks on its citizens.

He referenced a passage from Leviticus: “You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall before you by the sword,” affirming that Israel would continue to hunt down its enemies.

Several officials, speaking anonymously to Reuters, reported that Israel’s security cabinet has been informed that Sinwar is “very likely” dead.

Israel’s Channel 12 also reported similar updates, noting that sources within the government believe Sinwar has been “eliminated” during the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

An Israeli security official told AFP that DNA tests are currently being conducted to confirm whether the body found in the rubble belongs to Sinwar.

Israel retains the Hamas leader’s DNA and biometric data from his time in their custody, which will assist in verifying the identity of the individual killed.

Reports indicate the strike took place during a ground operation in Rafah, southern Gaza, where Israeli forces engaged in combat with militants.

The Israeli military claims to have killed three fighters during the encounter, with visual evidence suggesting Sinwar could be among those killed. DNA results are expected to provide definitive confirmation in the coming hours.

If Sinwar’s death is confirmed, it would mark a significant military victory for Israel, as he has long been the central figure in directing Hamas’ militant activities, including the 2023 attacks.

His removal would be a symbolic blow to Hamas’ leadership amid the ongoing conflict.