Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was killed in an intelligence-based ground raid in southern Gaza.
Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was killed during a ground raid conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in southern Gaza. This operation took place in the Tel al-Sultan area of Rafah, where Sinwar’s body was discovered by Israeli troops from the 828 Brigade. The incident occurred on October 19, 2024, following intelligence that pinpointed his location. Sinwar, one of the most senior leaders of Hamas, was reportedly targeted and killed after a fierce battle.
The IDF confirmed the identity of Sinwar using DNA profiling, after troops had cut off his finger for identification. According to a CNN report, Israeli soldiers needed to verify the body’s identity against records of Sinwar’s DNA when he was held in Israeli prison for two decades. He had been released in 2011 as part of a prisoner exchange deal. The troops also attempted to match the dental records of the body, but this method was deemed insufficient for positive identification. Israeli forensic experts, including Chen Kugel, the chief pathologist at the Israel National Center of Forensic Medicine, confirmed that a bullet wound to the head was the cause of death. Kugel noted that other injuries had been sustained, including damage from a tank shell, but the gunshot was the fatal blow.
Videos showing Israeli soldiers near the body of Yahya Sinwar surfaced on social media, adding further confirmation of his death. In these videos, soldiers can be seen standing near the body, and one clip shows the removal of Sinwar’s left index finger for DNA testing. While this particular video went viral, CNN’s analysis raised questions since earlier footage displayed all of Sinwar’s fingers intact. This discrepancy further fueled discussions online about the final moments of Sinwar’s life and how the body was handled during and after the raid.
The Israeli forces had reportedly fired a tank round at Sinwar’s hideout before launching the ground operation, which was part of an ongoing military campaign. After the initial strike, troops moved in to search the area for survivors and recover Sinwar’s body. His death marks a significant victory for Israel in its ongoing efforts to dismantle Hamas leadership. The death of Sinwar, who had been the architect behind several deadly attacks on Israel, comes as a major blow to the group.
Yahya Sinwar, often seen as a ruthless figure, was deeply involved in the planning of the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that resulted in over 1,200 deaths. That attack prompted Israel to respond with a year-long military campaign in Gaza, during which over 40,000 people, including militants and civilians, were killed. Sinwar’s role in orchestrating this attack made him a top target for Israeli forces. The raid that led to his death is being seen as a critical step in Israel’s mission to neutralize Hamas leadership.
With the elimination of Sinwar, Hamas now faces the challenge of finding a new leader. His death has left a power vacuum in the group’s political and military hierarchy. Reports suggest that Mohammad Sinwar, Yahya’s brother, could play a more prominent role in Hamas’s ongoing conflict with Israel. Mohammad has long been involved in the military wing of Hamas and is expected to take up key responsibilities in leading the group’s future operations. However, the group’s Shura Council, its decision-making body, is responsible for naming an official successor.
Hamas has a history of quickly replacing fallen leaders, and the search for Yahya Sinwar’s replacement is likely to happen swiftly. This is especially important as the group continues to resist Israeli operations in Gaza. At the same time, Khalil Al-Hayya, Sinwar’s deputy, remains defiant. In a public statement following Sinwar’s death, Al-Hayya emphasized that Hamas would not release any hostages until Israeli forces withdrew from Gaza. This statement reflects the tense and volatile situation on the ground as both sides continue their fight.
Israeli officials hope that Sinwar’s death will lead to the release of hostages, but Hamas has shown no sign of relenting in its demands. Yahya Sinwar’s death may have dealt a significant blow to the leadership of Hamas, but the group is known for its resilience. Despite losing top leaders like Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed earlier in July, Hamas remains committed to its struggle against Israel.
Sinwar’s death underscores the intense and deadly conflict between Israel and Hamas that has taken a heavy toll on both sides. While Israel celebrates the elimination of a key figure responsible for the bloodshed, the fight for control of Gaza and the broader region continues. Sinwar’s demise is unlikely to bring an end to the violence, but it marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.
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