17-10-2024 (JERUSALEM) Israeli ministers have been informed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar has likely been killed during an Israeli military operation in southern Gaza, according to two officials with knowledge of the situation.
Israeli broadcasters, citing unnamed sources, have reported that Sinwar, the mastermind behind the devastating attack on Israel last October that ignited the current war, is dead. However, the Israeli military has yet to confirm these reports officially.
A statement from the military earlier today indicated that they were investigating the possibility that Sinwar, Israel’s most wanted enemy, was among three militants killed during an operation in the Gaza Strip. “At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed,” the statement read, adding that there were no signs of Israeli hostages in the building where the militants were killed.
Israeli Soldiers surrounding the Body of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar, following its discovery earlier in Southern Gaza. pic.twitter.com/Lhh4eu2k79
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 17, 2024
Hamas has not immediately commented on the reports. Al-Majd, a Hamas-affiliated website, has urged Palestinians to await official information from the group itself, cautioning against relying on Israeli media outlets which it claims aim to break Palestinian morale.
Israeli media outlets have suggested that the operation was a routine raid that chanced upon Sinwar. If confirmed, his death would represent a significant victory for the Israeli military and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a series of high-profile assassinations of prominent enemy leaders in recent months.
The families of the 101 Israeli and foreign hostages still held in Gaza have welcomed the news about Sinwar but reiterated their call for a deal to secure the hostages’ release. “We call on the Israeli government, world leaders, and mediating countries to leverage the military achievement into a diplomatic one by pursuing an immediate agreement for the release of all 101 hostages,” the group stated.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant posted a cryptic message on social media platform X, featuring a biblical quotation and images of recently killed enemy leaders, with a conspicuous blank space suggesting a new addition.
Sinwar’s potential death raises questions about succession within Hamas. As the chief architect of the October 7th attack on Israel that triggered the Gaza war, Sinwar has been at the top of Israel’s wanted list. His elimination would be the heaviest blow Hamas has suffered in over a year of conflict, potentially more impactful than the assassination of former political leader Ismail Haniyeh.
It remains unclear who might succeed Sinwar, known for his uncompromising stance against Israel and his reputation as a ruthless enforcer within Hamas. His death could potentially pave the way for renewed efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement to end the fighting.
