IDF Examining Whether Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar Killed by Soldiers in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is currently investigating whether one of the three terrorists killed in a recent battle in Gaza was Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas.

A statement from the IDF reads “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 were no signs of the presence of hostages in the area. The forces that are operating in the area are continuing to operate with the required caution.”

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A report from Israel's Channel 12 news has disclosed that the bodies of the 3 terrorists have been taken for DNA testing. More conclusive information will be available in a few hours. 

According to a report from Times of Israel, a senior Israeli official has stated that there is a high likelihood that one of the 3 terrorists killed by IDF, was indeed Yahya Sinwar. As per a report from Channel 12 News, a senior Israeli official has confirmed that Sinwar has been eliminated. The report also stated that the Israeli troops, initially, didn't realise that Sinwar was in the building that they had struck. Only when they entered the building to assess the damage, the noticed a body that strongly resembled Sinwar. 

There are numerous posts on social media, circulating image of a dead body, that does look strikingly similar to Sinwar. However, as of now, it isn't clear if it is indeed Sinwar's body. 

As speculation of Sinwar's death grows, the Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has tweeted a Bible verse from the book of Leviticus. 

“You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall before you by the sword,” the verse reads. 

The IDF emphasized that both military and Shin Bet forces continue to operate with the necessary caution in the area, aiming to minimize risks during their operations. As the investigation continues, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant implications for the ongoing conflict in the region. Sinwar was the mastermind of the October 7 attack on Israel.