Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Confirmed Killed in Israeli Operation in Rafah

The Israeli military has confirmed the death of Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, during an operation in Gaza. Sinwar, who led Hamas’s political bureau, was killed in an airstrike targeting Hamas operatives as part of Israel's ongoing military activities in the region.

A joint statement from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet security agency confirmed that Sinwar was among several individuals killed during the operation. His death marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as Sinwar played a central role in the group’s military and political strategies.

The IDF spokesperson stated, “We can now confirm that Yahya Sinwar has been eliminated during our operation in Gaza." He added that the mission, which also resulted in the deaths of three other Hamas operatives, dealt a heavy blow to the leadership of the organization.

Sinwar’s death occurred during a targeted airstrike aimed at neutralizing senior Hamas figures. According to Israeli sources, the airstrike was part of a larger operation designed to disrupt Hamas's command structure and prevent future attacks.

Israeli military officials noted that they conducted extensive intelligence operations to confirm Sinwar’s location prior to the strike. The building targeted in the attack did not contain any hostages, according to the military. Security forces remain active in Gaza, continuing operations to eliminate Hamas’s military capabilities.

Yahya Sinwar was appointed head of Hamas’s political bureau in August 2023, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh. Sinwar’s leadership was marked by his efforts to consolidate power between Hamas’s military and political wings. He had a reputation for balancing political engagement with aggressive military operations, making him one of Israel’s most-wanted figures.

Sinwar had previously spent over 20 years in Israeli prisons before being released as part of a prisoner exchange in 2011. His influence within Hamas was pivotal, particularly in recent years, as he coordinated military operations and managed the group’s relationships with other regional actors.