The Israeli Military Releases Video of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza Tunnel
CNN
Israeli Military Exposes Hamas Leader’s Hideout
The Israeli military has released a video allegedly showing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar inside a tunnel located beneath the city of Khan Younis in Gaza. The video footage depicts Sinwar with his wife, children, and his brother, Ibrahim Sinwar. Israel has accused Yahya Sinwar of being one of the masterminds behind Hamas’ terror attack against the nation on October 7.
Detained in 2023, Elusive Until Now
The video, unveiled during a press conference, was acquired by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from a Hamas CCTV camera on October 10, though the authenticity and recording date remain unverified. Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesperson, described how Sinwar managed to escape the IDF’s pursuit by fleeing to an underground tunnel leading to one of his safe accommodations constructed in advance.
Unrelenting Hunt for Sinwar
Hagari affirmed that the IDF’s search for Sinwar continues and their determination to apprehend him is absolute. Sinwar, dubbed by the Israeli military as the “Butcher from Khan Younis,” is deemed Israel’s most-wanted man in Gaza, and the IDF has vowed to capture him, “dead or alive.”
Hamas Leader’s Maturation within the Group
Yahya Sinwar has a long history with Hamas as an instrumental figure in assembling its military wing. Over the years, he has also developed significant ties with regional Arab powers. Sinwar was elected to Hamas’ main decision-making body, the Politburo, in 2017 and has subsequently emerged as its de facto leader, according to the research conducted by the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR).
Tunnels and Israeli Pressure on Gaza
Israel’s recent intensified assaults on central and southern Gaza, particularly Khan Younis, have reportedly exacerbated the humanitarian situation in the region. The Israeli military has designated Khan Younis as a Hamas stronghold, allegedly home to a tunnel network used in planning the October 7 attacks. Hamas denies hiding in hospitals or civilian structures.
Humanitarian Crisis and Ongoing Conflict
As a result of the military campaign launched by Israel after the aforementioned attack, the people of Gaza have endured severe consequences. The bombardment and besiegement have led to the displacement of 1.7 million people and left 2.2 million Palestinians exposed to acute food insecurity, dehydration, and deadly disease. Casualty figures cannot be independently verified.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
