A Long Search Ends in an Unexpected Encounter
For over a year, Israel’s security forces, with substantial backing from the United States, devoted extensive resources and intelligence efforts to locate Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader who masterminded the devastating October 7 attacks. Despite these efforts, Sinwar’s eventual demise came about unexpectedly during an operation by a unit of trainee squad commanders in southern Gaza, according to four Israeli defense officials who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the situation, reports the New York Times.
Where Was Sinwar Found?
On Wednesday, while patrolling southern Gaza, the Israeli unit unexpectedly engaged a small group of Palestinian militants. Supported by drones, the soldiers initiated a firefight, killing three militants. Amid the battle, Israeli fire collapsed part of a building where the militants were hiding. As the dust cleared, the soldiers made a startling discovery: one of the fallen fighters bore an unmistakable resemblance to Yahya Sinwar.
This location was an unexpected place to find Sinwar. Intelligence assessments from both Israel and the U.S. had suggested that Sinwar, fearing for his safety, was likely hiding deep underground, possibly surrounded by Israeli hostages to avoid assassination.
How Did He Die?
Photographs obtained by The New York Times—some of which later appeared online—show the body of a man with distinct facial features resembling Sinwar. The body exhibited severe wounds, particularly to the head and leg. These images also showed physical features that matched those seen in archival footage of Sinwar, such as unique moles near his eyes and crooked teeth.
After the firefight, Israeli soldiers cautiously approached the scene, wary of potential explosives and booby traps. Alongside the bodies, they found money and weapons, but no hostages. While concerns lingered about the safety of hostages, the Israeli military later confirmed that no hostages were harmed during the battle.
By Thursday evening, following confirmation through identification processes, the Israeli military officially announced Sinwar’s death.
Hamas’ Response
Hamas confirmed Sinwar’s death on Friday. Khalil al-Hayya, his longtime deputy now in exile in Qatar, addressed Hamas supporters on official television, stating that Sinwar “died fighting and confronting the occupation army to his final moments.”
Despite the loss of their leader, al-Hayya signaled no willingness to ease tensions or negotiate peace. Instead, he affirmed that Hamas would continue its struggle, declaring, “Sinwar’s banner will not fall.” This statement suggests that Hamas remains resolute, offering little hope for concessions that could lead to an end to the ongoing war in Gaza.
