The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is currently investigating the possibility of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar being killed in a recent Gaza skirmish. As many as three Hamas militants were gunned down by the IDF troops during the operation on Wednesday (Oct 16).
“At this time, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed,” read a brief statement by the IDF.
“The IDF and Shin Bet forces operating in the area continue to operate under the necessary caution,” it added.
According to a senior Israeli official, quoted as saying by Times of Israel, there was a high likelihood that the militant killed by the IDF might be Sinwar.
Notably, there was no hostage present in the area where the militants were killed. Since Sinwar went completely incommunicado, there have been reports that he does not venture anywhere without the hostages that he is using as human shields.
According to a Channel 12 report, the IDF troops had opened fire on a group of terrorists on the ground floor of the building, When they entered the building afterwards, they realised that one of the dead terrorists had an uncanny resemblance to Sinwar – leading to the probe.
The report added that it may take a few hours for a firm identification. The body will also be taken for DNA testing.
During IDF operations in Gaza, 3 terrorists were eliminated. The IDF and ISA are checking the possibility that one of the terrorists was Yahya Sinwar. At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed.
In the building where the terrorists were eliminated, there…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 17, 2024
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Previous reports
This is not the first instance when reports regarding Sinwar’s death have surfaced. Last month, several Hebrew media outlets claimed that Israel was investigating the possibility of Sinwar being dead as he had been incommunicado for a relatively long time.
Alongside now-killed Mohammed Deif, the head of Qassam Brigades, Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks and took over the militant outfit after Ismail Haniyeh was allegedly assassinated by Tel Aviv.
Who is Sinwar?
Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of the uncompromising top officials of Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza.
After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas.
In the 23 years he spent in Israel’s jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel’s political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas.
For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, killing Sinwar would help send a message that Hamas’ top leadership had been completely wiped out – making it easier for him to end the military campaign in Gaza.
(With inputs from agencies)
