Israel has confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, the political leader of Hamas in Gaza, following an IDF operation.
On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they were investigating whether Sinwar had been killed during a confrontation with Palestinian militants in an undisclosed location.
Later that evening, the IDF confirmed the elimination of Sinwar on social media. Foreign Minister Israel Katz also informed international counterparts of Sinwar’s death through an official communication.
Sinwar, 62, had led Hamas in Gaza since 2017 and was considered one of the masterminds behind the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.
Alongside Mohammed Deif, leader of Hamas’ military wing, Sinwar played a key role in orchestrating the assault, which led to the deaths of over 1,100 Israelis and the abduction of around 250 people.
Sinwar’s body, reportedly found under rubble and showing signs of trauma, is being subjected to DNA testing for further confirmation. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in severe destruction in Gaza, with over 42,000 people killed since the war began.
