Israeli Military Investigates Possible Killing of Hamas Chief Sinwar Amid Gaza Operations

Killing of Hamas Chief Sinwar

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet domestic security agency have launched an investigation to determine if Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed during recent operations in the Gaza Strip. In a joint statement, the agencies reported that three militants were eliminated during these operations, and they are checking the possibility that one of the deceased is Sinwar.

The statement emphasized that there were no indications of hostages in the vicinity of the operation. The IDF is continuing its activities with the necessary caution in the area.

Sinwar, 60, known for his brutal tactics against enemies, both Israeli and Palestinian, has been labeled the "Butcher of Khan Younis." He is widely believed to be responsible for the horrific attacks on Israeli civilians orchestrated by Hamas militants on October 7. IDF spokesman Lt. Col. Richard Hecht previously declared that Sinwar was a "dead man walking," asserting that the military would eventually find him, regardless of how long it might take.

Despite being thought to be hidden deep within the extensive tunnel network used by Hamas for weapon and fighter transport, Sinwar has a long history with the group. Born in the Khan Younis refugee camp when the region was under Egyptian control, he joined Hamas shortly after its inception in 1987. Sinwar was arrested in 1989 for his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of two Israelis and for the torture and murder of four Palestinians labeled as collaborators. He was sentenced to life imprisonment but served only 22 years before being released in a prisoner exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011.

Since his return to Gaza, Sinwar has risen to prominence within Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood. In 2017, he was elected as the group's political leader, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Iran earlier this year. Experts note that Sinwar's influence extends back to his early days in Hamas and that he became a significant leader among Palestinian prisoners during his incarceration.

Israeli Military Investigates Possible Killing of Hamas Chief Sinwar Amid Gaza Operations