Hamas Leader Sinwar Reportedly Killed, Says Israeli Foreign Minister
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced on Thursday that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has been killed. “Mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who was responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers,” Katz stated.
Members of Israel’s security cabinet have also indicated that Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023 attack that ignited the current Gaza war, is likely dead, according to two officials familiar with the situation.
The Israeli military is investigating the possibility that Sinwar was among three militants killed during an operation in the Gaza Strip. There has been no immediate response from Hamas regarding these claims.
In Israel, families of hostages held by Hamas expressed hope for a ceasefire that could bring their loved ones home. Meanwhile, residents in Gaza believe the conflict will continue.
If confirmed, Sinwar’s death would mark a significant victory for the Israeli military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the war in Gaza extends into a second year. Israel has conducted extensive airstrikes and ground operations aimed at dismantling Hamas.
On Thursday, Israeli strikes in northern Gaza reportedly killed 19 Palestinians, including children at a school in the Jabalia camp that shelters displaced individuals, according to a Gaza health ministry official.
Sinwar, appointed as Hamas’ overall leader following the assassination of political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, was believed to be hiding in the extensive network of tunnels Hamas has constructed over the past two decades.
His death could escalate tensions in the region, especially as Israel has recently intensified its military actions in Lebanon and plans to respond to a missile attack by Iran, which supports both Hamas and Hezbollah.
Israeli Army Radio reported that the operation occurred in Rafah, where Israeli troops killed three militants and recovered their bodies. Visual evidence suggests one of the deceased may be Sinwar, and DNA tests are currently underway, as Israel possesses DNA samples from Sinwar collected during his time in Israeli custody.
At present, the identity of the militants cannot be confirmed, according to Israeli police, which stated that dental images have been submitted for forensic analysis while DNA testing is in progress.
