Inside the Ruins: The Location Where Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Met His End in Gaza

Yahya Sinwar, the notorious Hamas leader, was killed in a recent Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operation in Tel Sultan, Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip.

This development follows a year-long campaign by the IDF to dismantle Hamas’s extensive tunnel system and military capabilities throughout the region.

Supporters of Yemen’s Huthis chant slogans as they gather with a picture of Hamas’ slain leader Yahya Sinwar during a rally in the Huthi-controlled capital, Sanaa, on October 18, 2024, in protest against Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. AFP via Getty Images

The IDF disregarded warnings from U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who previously advised against entering certain areas of Gaza. Reports indicate that Sinwar was found in a building in Tel Sultan, where he had been hiding amidst the ongoing military operations.

An exclusive report by The New York Post detailed the devastation in Rafah, where extensive damage from airstrikes and ground fighting has left the city in ruins. Many buildings are marked by signs of conflict, including indications of booby traps set by Hamas members.

Douglas Murray inside the building where Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in Rafah, southern Gaza. Moshe Misrahi

During a recent visit to the area with the IDF, it became evident that the conditions were dire. Sinwar had reportedly spent the past year navigating his network of tunnels, often leading his family through parts of this underground infrastructure while denying basic comforts to the people of Gaza.

Newly released footage showed Sinwar guiding his family through the tunnels shortly before the attack on October 7, 2023. He was seen with luxury items, including a $32,000 Birkin handbag owned by his wife, highlighting the disparity between his lifestyle and that of ordinary Gazans.

As IDF forces continued their operations, Sinwar abandoned his last underground hideout, leaving behind significant amounts of cash and humanitarian supplies meant for the Palestinian people. This decision likely came as the IDF cut off areas of Gaza, limiting Sinwar’s escape options.

It was the area that geopolitical genius Vice President Kamala Harris said the Israel Defense Forces should not enter. Moshe Misrahi

In a pivotal encounter last week, Sinwar was spotted alongside three other Hamas militants. The IDF engaged in a firefight, resulting in the elimination of two terrorists while Sinwar fled into a building. Evidence from the scene suggested that he was already injured by the time he sought refuge.

Witnesses reported bloodstains at the entrance of the building, indicating his deteriorating condition. Sinwar reportedly tried to conceal himself but was eventually located by an IDF drone. Although a tank round was fired at the structure, initial reports suggest he died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Murray went in with the IDF in the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip. Moshe Misrahi

As reporters visited the site, they observed the remnants of what was once a lavish residence, which were now reduced to rubble. The area surrounding the building bore witness to the extensive destruction wrought by the conflict initiated by Hamas.

The Post was given exclusive foreign media access to the site where Sinwar met his end. Moshe Misrahi

Reflecting on Sinwar’s final moments, there were questions about whether he recognised the consequences of his actions, both for Israelis and Palestinians. His death was characterised as a culmination of his violent leadership, marked by a lack of remorse for the suffering he inflicted on others.

Sinwar’s demise has prompted discussions regarding the IDF’s strategy. Many U.S. leaders had previously urged Israel to avoid deep incursions into Gaza, fearing escalation of the conflict. However, had Israel heeded these warnings, Sinwar might have continued to pose a threat.

After travelling through this scene of devastation for under an hour, we ended up at the place I had come to see. The area of Tel Sultan is the scene at the end of Sinwar. Moshe Misrahi

Murray went in with the IDF in the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip. Moshe Misrahi

The Post was given exclusive foreign media access to the site where Sinwar met his end. Moshe Misrahi

After travelling through this scene of devastation for under an hour, we ended up at the place I had come to see. The area of Tel Sultan is the scene at the end of Sinwar. Moshe Misrahi

IDF sources told Murray that several Hamas battalions tried to gather around Sinwar but were decimated on the way in battles with the IDF. Moshe Misrahi

Every window of the building was already blown out. Moshe Misrahi

Ultimately, Sinwar’s death represents a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, reflecting a year of concerted efforts by the IDF and the Israeli government to weaken Hamas’s influence. The international community is now faced with the ramifications of this pivotal military action and its implications for regional stability.