October 7 Attack
The Israeli army has released new footage of the late Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, reportedly recorded just before the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
The video, filmed on October 6, shows Sinwar walking through an underground tunnel alongside his wife and children, carrying supplies to a bunker that was later discovered by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).
Sinwar is believed to have masterminded the assault that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israeli citizens, a catalyst for the full-scale war that followed between Israel and Hamas.
On Friday, Khalil Al-Hayya, the deputy chief of Hamas in Gaza, confirmed that Sinwar had been killed in combat. Sinwar, 62, had been elected as Hamas’ leader in Gaza in 2017, after spending half of his adult life in Israeli prisons.
Born in Khan Younis, a refugee camp in southern Gaza, Sinwar was a controversial figure who gained significant power within the militant organization.
His death marked the elimination of one of Hamas’ most powerful leaders, following the earlier assassination of Ismail Haniyeh.
The newly released footage shows Sinwar preparing for the imminent conflict, according to the IDF.
“Sinwar hours before the October 7 massacre: taking down his TV into his tunnel, hiding underneath his civilians, and preparing to watch his terrorists murder, kidnap, and rape,” IDF Spokesperson Nadav Shoshani stated while discussing the footage.
The spokesperson also criticized Sinwar and his wife for displaying apparent wealth, despite the harsh conditions faced by Gaza’s residents.
Shoshani shared a specific detail from the video, noting that Sinwar’s wife was seen carrying a Birkin bag, valued at approximately $32,000.
This observation sparked criticism, as it contrasted sharply with the ongoing food shortages and economic struggles of the people in Gaza. “Did Sinwar’s wife enter the tunnel with him on October 6 carrying a Birkin bag?” Shoshani asked, pointing out the perceived disparity.
Yahya Sinwar, 61, who had assumed leadership of Hamas from Ismail Haniyeh in July, had become a key target for Israeli forces. On October 17, Israeli soldiers killed Sinwar during a confrontation in Rafah.
His death was confirmed through footage released by the IDF, showing his final moments. The drone video, which captured the encounter, depicted Sinwar slumped in a chair, his body covered in dust, and his right hand bleeding. In a final, desperate act, Sinwar was seen hurling a stick at the drone before being struck down.
Sinwar’s role in orchestrating the October 7 attack has intensified the ongoing conflict, and his death is viewed as a significant blow to Hamas’ leadership structure.
The footage and accompanying commentary by Israeli officials continue to fuel the narrative surrounding Sinwar’s influence and actions leading up to the attack, as well as his ultimate downfall during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
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