The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and domestic security agency Shin Bet have launched an investigation to determine whether Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed during a military operation in the Gaza Strip on Thursday. The agencies confirmed that three terrorists were eliminated during the operation and are exploring the possibility that Sinwar was among them.
In a joint statement, the agencies explained, “During IDF operations in the Gaza Strip, three terrorists were eliminated. We are checking the possibility that one of the terrorists was Yahya Sinwar.” They added that no evidence of hostages was found in the building where the individuals were killed, and forces continue to operate with caution in the area.
Sinwar, 61, dubbed the “Butcher of Khan Younis” for his brutal torture methods used against both Israeli and Palestinian enemies, is considered the mastermind behind the Hamas-led massacre of Israeli civilians on October 7. According to a report from Israel Army Radio, Sinwar may have been killed during a confrontation with Israeli soldiers.
The report described how soldiers identified suspected terrorists in Gaza and opened fire, prompting the individuals to flee into a building. A tank subsequently fired a shell, causing the building to collapse. Upon entering the structure, soldiers discovered three bodies, one of which is believed to be Sinwar.
Israeli police confirmed that efforts are underway to fully identify the bodies, stating, “Regarding recent reports about the identification of the elimination of Yahya Sinwar, the police, IDF, and Shin Bet are working towards complete identification.
So far, one of many required tests for definitive identification has been conducted.” Dental records have been sent for forensic analysis, and DNA tests are in progress, allowing authorities to confirm the identity.
A U.S. defence official disclosed that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was informed of Sinwar’s potential death during a NATO Defense Ministerial meeting. Israeli authorities reportedly provided the U.S. Department of Defense with photos related to the incident.
However, Hamas has denied Sinwar’s death. In a statement published by Iranian media, the group accused Israel of conducting a “systematic campaign aimed at confusing the ranks of the movement and causing chaos and tension in the Palestinian street.”
Despite this, IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht had previously referred to Sinwar as “a dead man walking” during a press briefing in October 2023, pledging that Israel would eventually eliminate him.
Sinwar, who was born in the Khan Younis refugee camp in Gaza, has long been a militant figure in Hamas. He joined the organisation shortly after its founding in 1987.
He was arrested by Israeli forces two years later for his involvement in the abduction and killing of two Israelis, as well as the torture and murder of four Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel. He was sentenced to life in prison but served 22 years before being released in a 2011 prisoner exchange for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Since his release, Sinwar has risen to prominence within Hamas, becoming a key leader and eventually replacing Ismail Haniyeh in 2017 as the group’s political leader. Haniyeh himself was killed in Iran in July.
The investigation into Sinwar’s potential death remains ongoing, and further tests are expected to confirm whether he was among those killed in the recent IDF operation.
