The Israeli military announced on Thursday that it is investigating the possibility that Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader believed to have orchestrated the October 7 terror attack, was among three militants killed in Gaza during recent military operations.
Sinwar was appointed as Hamas’ political head in August after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh. If confirmed dead, his elimination would represent a significant victory for Israel amid its ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Israeli officials are awaiting DNA testing results to verify whether Sinwar was among the deceased, as indicated by two U.S. officials and one senior Israeli source.
A senior Israeli official disclosed to NBC News that troops identified Sinwar as likely being one of the three militants killed during a major gun battle in Gaza on Wednesday. He noted that the operation was not specifically aimed at capturing Sinwar, and that DNA analysis would provide the confirmation needed.
Yahya Sinwar was seen in Gaza City in 2022. U.S. officials have maintained close communication with Israeli counterparts regarding this matter, according to one U.S. official.
In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) reported that at least three militants were killed in a building during the operation, but did not elaborate on the specifics of their deaths. They are assessing whether one of the casualties was Sinwar and confirmed there were “no signs of hostages in the area” during the incident.
The IDF remarked that their forces continue to operate with necessary caution and will provide more information as it becomes available.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant referenced a biblical quote in a post on social media, affirming the commitment to pursue enemies relentlessly. The IDF has previously stated its intention to capture Sinwar “dead or alive.”
National Security spokesman John Kirby acknowledged awareness of the reports regarding Sinwar’s potential death but noted that the U.S. government had not confirmed the information.
Frank Lowenstein, a former special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, suggested that it was unusual for Sinwar to be present above ground with limited security, especially since he was a key figure within Hamas.
Before the October 7 events, Sinwar was pivotal in governing Gaza and ascended to leadership following Haniyeh’s death, which was caused by an Israeli airstrike in Tehran during a period when Haniyeh was attending a political ceremony.
Israeli officials criticized Hamas for choosing Sinwar as their leader, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz labeling him an “arch-murderer,” and emphasizing the need for his swift removal from power.
Following the October 7 attacks orchestrated by Hamas, in which approximately 1,200 individuals were killed and around 250 taken captive, the situation remains dire. As of now, 154 hostages have been released, while 101 remain in captivity, with 33 believed to be deceased.
In light of the recent developments, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed hope that Sinwar’s demise, if confirmed, could strengthen efforts to secure the release of hostages. Thomas Hand, whose daughter was released during a temporary ceasefire, voiced optimism that this potential blow to Hamas’s leadership might lead to a resolution to the conflict and the return of hostages.
The ongoing conflict has seen over 42,400 casualties in Gaza since Israel intensified its military operations following the October attacks. Further updates are expected as the situation evolves.