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Killing of Yahya Sinwar

Coordinates: 31°17′19″N 34°15′7″E / 31.28861°N 34.25194°E / 31.28861; 34.25194
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Killing of Yahya Sinwar
Part of the Israel–Hamas war and Rafah offensive
TypeShootout
Location
Tel al-Sultan, Rafah, Gaza Strip

31°17′19″N 34°15′7″E / 31.28861°N 34.25194°E / 31.28861; 34.25194
Date16 October 2024
Executed by Israel Defense Forces
Casualties Hamas: 3 militants killed
(including Yahya Sinwar, per Israel)
Rafah is located in the Gaza Strip
Rafah
Rafah
Location within the Gaza Strip

On 17 October 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that Hamas militant and political leader Yahya Sinwar was killed the previous day in a gunfight with the 828th Bislamach Brigade in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, according to the IDF and Shin Bet.[1] Tank shells were fired at a booby-trapped building and a drone equipped with a camera was brought in to ensure that it was empty of militants. Israel's Army Radio stated that DNA tests were being conducted to determine if Sinwar was killed.[2] Israel Police said in a statement that the body matched Sinwar's dental records and fingerprints. Sinwar, who was one of Israel's most wanted men after the 7 October attack, was allegedly in a building with two others. The military operation was described as random and not planned in advance. The investigators who interrogated Sinwar as well as a dentist were called in to identify the body. The body was transferred to Israel.

At the time of Sinwar's killing there were no civilian casualties. In a joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet spokespersons, it was stated: "there were no signs of the presence of hostages in the area."[3]

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Sinwar's death marks the beginning of a new era without Hamas's rule over Gaza, urging Gazans to seize the opportunity to break free from its tyranny, and adding that those holding hostages will be spared if they surrender and release them.[4] US President Joe Biden stated "This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world," comparing Sinwar's death to the killing of Osama Bin Laden and emphasizing that it presents an opportunity for a "day after" in Gaza without Hamas.[5][6]

Background

Yahya Sinwar had served as Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip since February 2017. His leadership was characterized by a focus on military strengthening and alliances with Iran and Hezbollah.[7] Committed to the destruction of Israel,[8][9] he is thought to be, alongside Mohammed Deif, one of the main architects of the 7 October Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023.[10][11][12][13] The group, under his leadership, had been planning this assault for two years prior to its execution.[14][15] By launching the attack, the deadliest day in Israel's history, Sinwar initiated the Israel–Hamas war—one of the deadliest conflicts in the Israeli-Palestinian struggle—triggering a military response that resulted in widespread destruction, casualties, and displacement to his homeland of Gaza.[8] He has also drawn Iran and other members of the Axis of Resistance, including Hezbollah—whose capabilities have significantly diminished due to Israeli actions—along with the Houthi movement and Iraqi militias, into war with Israel.[8] In September 2015, Sinwar was designated a terrorist by the United States government.[16] In September 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice announced criminal charges against Sinwar for his role in the 7 October attacks.[17][18][19]

In February 2024, a video was published of Sinwar moving in a tunnel with his family.[20] There was also speculation in August that he would emerge above ground in a woman's cloak.[21] The International Criminal Court (ICC) was scheduled to issue a war crimes indictment against Sinwar, as announced in May.[22] Sinwar was chosen as head of the movement's political bureau on 6 August 2024, after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh.[23]

Israel was reportedly aware for months that Sinwar was hiding in the Tel As-Sultan neighborhood of Rafah, although his precise location remained unknown.[24] On August 31, six hostages were murdered in the vicinity of the building that Sinwar was killed in. He had reportedly been in the same tunnel with them.[25][26]

Killing

On 17 October 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported a "high likelihood" that Sinwar was killed in Rafah.[27] The IDF had engaged in a firefight with a group of Hamas militants the previous day, killing three operatives.[27] The shootout was carried out by conscript soldiers from Bislamach Brigade[28] who did not know who they were fighting, according to Kan. There were no hostages nearby.[29] According to an IDF spokesperson, Sinwar has been in a damaged building and was shot in the hand before a tank fired at the structure, resulting in his death.[30] Following the incident, troops discovered a body that resembled Sinwar, wearing a tactical vest and holding an AK-47,[31] while assessing the collapsed building where the exchange occurred.[27] It is reported that the three bodies were found carrying cash, weapons and fake IDs.[32][33]

Following this, Israeli officials informed the security cabinet of Sinwar's likely death. IDF forces were not specifically targeting Sinwar during the operation, and they did not anticipate his presence in the area.[27]

Initial reports indicated that DNA, dental, and fingerprint tests would be conducted for formal identification, as the IDF holds Sinwar's records from his time in prison.[27] Photos circulated on social media purportedly showing the body believed to be Sinwar with wounds to the head and a leg.[27] According to The New York Times, the photos matched archival footage of Sinwar including crooked teeth and distinctive moles.[34]

Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, who also published photographs of the body, confirmed that Israel's forensic police unit made a full match with Sinwar's dental records.[35] Israel Police said in a statement that the body matched Sinwar's dental records and fingerprints.[36][37]

Analysis

Pro-Israel analysts predicted that Sinwar's killing was an opportunity to return the hostages and de-escalate the situation.[38] Gershon Baskin, who helped negotiate the 2011 Shalit deal, said a full hostage deal could take 3-4 days.[39]

Reactions

Israel

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant tweeted that "Israel is committed to eliminating terrorists wherever they are".[40] He stated that the killing "sends a clear message to all the families of the fallen and the families of the hostages: we are doing everything in order to reach those who harmed your loved ones and to free the hostages and return them to their families", and added that it's "also a clear message to the residents of Gaza. The man who brought disaster and death to the Gaza Strip, the man who made you suffer as a result of his murderous actions – the end of this man has come. It is time to go out, release the hostages, [to those involved in fighting] raise your hands, surrender. Go out with the hostages, free them, and surrender."[41]

Opposition leader Yair Lapid said the government must seize the opportunity to act decisively regarding the hostages.[42]

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sinwar's death as "the beginning of the day after Hamas," vowing that the group will no longer rule Gaza. He addressed Gazans, emphasizing it as an opportunity for them "to finally break free from its tyranny."[43] Netanyahu warned Hamas militants that their leaders are fleeing and will be eliminated, stating that those who release hostages will be spared, but severe consequences await anyone who harms them. He highlighted that Sinwar's death underscores the importance of Israel's continued efforts, particularly the operation in Rafah, where key Hamas leaders had been hiding, and emphasized the opportunity to stop the "axis of evil" and build a better future.[43]

Value of the Israeli currency surged following the killing of Sinwar.[44]

United Kingdom

Defence Secretary John Healey stated that while the UK is still awaiting confirmation of Sinwar's death, he remarked, "I for one, will not mourn the death of a terror leader like Sinwar—someone who was responsible for the terror attack on October 7th." Healey added that he and the UK government recognize this attack "triggered not just the darkest, deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Second World War, but that it's triggered more than a year of conflict and an intolerable level of civilian Palestinian casualties."[45]

NATO

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that Sinwar "is widely recognized as the architect of the Oct. 7th, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel. I have condemned them, all allies have condemned them. Every reasonable soul in the world has condemned them. So if he has died, I personally will not miss him."[46]

United States

US President Joe Biden issued a press statement, declaring, "This is a good day for Israel, for the United States, and for the world", and noting that "as the leader of the terrorist group Hamas, Sinwar was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Israelis, Palestinians, Americans, and citizens from over 30 countries." Biden praised the Israeli military for their pursuit of Hamas leaders, comparing the operation to the 2011 raid that killed Osama bin Laden. He emphasized that Israel has the right to dismantle Hamas, highlighting that the group can no longer carry out attacks like the one on October 7. Biden stated that Sinwar's death removed "an insurmountable obstacle", creating hope for a future without Hamas in Gaza and opening the door for a political settlement that benefits both Israelis and Palestinians.[5][6]

References

  1. ^ "Officials to 'Post': Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Rafah, Gaza Strip". The Jerusalem Post. 17 October 2024.
  2. ^ "Netanyahu confirms Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed, says 'our war has not yet ended'". CBC. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  3. ^ "Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar eliminated by IDF in Gaza". www.israelhayom.com. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  4. ^ Berman, Lazar (17 October 2024). "PM after Sinwar killing: Those holding hostages will be spared if they lay down arms, release them". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Statement from President Joe Biden on the Death of Yahya Sinwar". The White House. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  6. ^ a b Magid, Jacob (17 October 2024). "Hailing Sinwar's killing, Biden says he posed 'insurmountable' obstacle to political settlement, which must now be pursued". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  7. ^ "Who was Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar - the terror leader killed in Gaza?". The Jerusalem Post. 17 October 2024 [7 August 2024]. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  8. ^ a b c Nakhoul, Samia (17 October 2024). "Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader committed to eradicating Israel". Reuters. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  9. ^ "Yahya Sinwar: Radical Islamist ideologue utterly committed to Israel's destruction". The Times of Israel. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  10. ^ "Shadowy Hamas leader in Gaza is at top of Israel's hit list after last month's deadly attack". Associated Press. 22 November 2023. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  11. ^ Vasilyeva, Nataliya (20 November 2023). "Mastermind behind Hamas attacks personally handling hostage negotiations". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 7 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  12. ^ Estrin, Daniel (3 December 2023). "The shadowy Hamas leader behind the war against Israel". NPR. Archived from the original on 12 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
  13. ^ Kingsley, Patrick; Barnes, Julian E.; Rasgon, Adam (12 May 2024). "Yahya Sinwar Helped Start the War in Gaza. Now He's Key to Its Endgame". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 13 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  14. ^ Bergman, Ronen; Ragson, Adam; Kingsley, Patrick (12 October 2024). "Secret Documents Show Hamas Tried to Persuade Iran to Join Its Oct. 7 Attack". The New York Times.
  15. ^ Crisp, James (12 October 2024). "Hamas wanted Iran to join in Oct 7 attack, secret minutes reveal". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 14 October 2024.
  16. ^ "Terrorist Designations of Yahya Sinwar, Rawhi Mushtaha, and Muhammed Deif". United States Department of State. 8 September 2015. Archived from the original on 21 January 2017. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  17. ^ Tucker, Eric (3 September 2024). "US charges Hamas leader, other militants in connection with Oct. 7 massacre in Israel". Associated Press. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  18. ^ "US charges Hamas leaders over Oct. 7 attack on Israel". Reuters. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  19. ^ "Justice Department Announces Terrorism Charges Against Senior Leaders of Hamas". justice.gov. United States Department of Justice. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
  20. ^ Izso, Lauren; Cotovio, Vasco; Gretener, Jessie; Hallam, Jonny (13 February 2024). "Israel releases video purportedly showing Hamas leader Sinwar in tunnel under Khan Younis". CNN.
  21. ^ "Yahya Sinwar reportedly hiding in plain sight 'dressed as a woman'". I24NEWS. 26 August 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024 – via Ynetnews.
  22. ^ Kottasová, Ivana (20 May 2024). "Exclusive interview: ICC prosecutor seeks arrest warrants against Sinwar and Netanyahu for war crimes over October 7 attack and Gaza". CNN.
  23. ^ "Hamas names mastermind of Oct 7 attacks Yahya Sinwar as new political leader". France 24. 6 August 2024. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Reports: Israel knew for months that Sinwar was hiding in Rafah, but didn't know exact location". The Times of Israel. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  25. ^ Eyal, Nadav (17 October 2024). "Sinwar hid in Rafah tunnel alongside six hostages executed by Hamas" – via www.ynetnews.com.
  26. ^ "Hamas leader and Oct. 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar killed by IDF troops in Gaza". The Times of Israel. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  27. ^ a b c d e f "Hamas leader and Oct. 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar killed by IDF troops in Gaza". The Times of Israel. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  28. ^ Tamari, Liran; Zitun, Yoav; Eichner, Itamar (17 October 2024). "Sinwar's body identified by dental records: Meet the soldiers who took him down". Ynetnews. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  29. ^ Kampeas, Ron (17 October 2024). "Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza; terror leader orchestrated Oct. 7 attack". Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  30. ^ Hammond, Lex Harvey, Alex Stambaugh, Antoinette Radford, Maureen Chowdhury, Aditi Sangal, Elise (17 October 2024). "Live updates: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza, Israel confirms". CNN. Retrieved 17 October 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  31. ^ "How Hamas leader Sinwar was killed: an AK-47, a tactical vest, and who was with him". Türkiye Today. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  32. ^ McKernan, Bethan (17 October 2024). "Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in surprise encounter with Israeli forces". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  33. ^ "Hamas leader Sinwar – mastermind of 7 October attack – killed in Gaza, Israel says". The Independent. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  34. ^ "Update from Aric Toler, Riley Mellen and Christiaan Triebert". The New York Times. 17 October 2024.
  35. ^ Tamari, Liran; Zitun, Yoav; Eichner, Itamar (17 October 2024). "Sinwar's body identified by dental records: Meet the soldiers who took him down". Ynetnews. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  36. ^ "Update from Aaron Boxerman". The New York Times. 17 October 2024.
  37. ^ Tamari, Liran (17 October 2024). "Police forensic unit confirms Yahya Sinwar's identity through fingerprints". ynetnews. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  38. ^ "Pro-Israel Experts Hoping Sinwar's Likely Death Could Lead to Hostages' Release". Haaretz.com. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  39. ^ Kampeas, Ron (17 October 2024). "Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza; terror leader orchestrated Oct. 7 attack". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  40. ^ Magid, Jacob (17 October 2024). "As speculation Sinwar killed grows, Gallant tweets: 'We will reach every terrorist and eliminate them'". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  41. ^ "Gallant calls on Hamas fighters to surrender, release hostages following Sinwar killing". The Times of Israel. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  42. ^ "'Somewhere in hell' he wishes he made a deal: Israel reacts to reports of Sinwar's death". The Jerusalem Post. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  43. ^ a b Berman, Lazar (17 October 2024). "PM after Sinwar killing: Those holding hostages will be spared if they lay down arms, release them". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  44. ^ Lior, Gad (17 October 2024). "Israeli shekel surges on reports of Sinwar's death". Ynetnews. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  45. ^ "Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza, Israel confirms". BBC News. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  46. ^ "Middle East latest: Netanyahu says Israel has 'settled its account' with Sinwar". ABC News. 17 October 2024. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
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