The Israeli military is investigating the possibility that Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, was among three militants killed during operations in Gaza.
Sinwar, widely regarded as the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attack in Israel, was named Hamas’ new political head in August, following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh.
According to NBC News, Israelis are awaiting DNA test results to confirm Sinwar’s death.
A senior Israeli official disclosed that troops identified Sinwar as likely being among the three militants killed during a heavy gun battle in Gaza on Wednesday, although the operation was not specifically aimed at eliminating him.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) announced in a joint statement that an operation in Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least three militants inside a building.
While the agencies did not disclose how the militants were killed, they confirmed that an investigation is ongoing to determine if Sinwar was among them.
The IDF and Shin Bet also reported that no hostages were found in the building. They added that their forces are proceeding with caution, promising to release further details soon.
Adding to the speculation that Sinwar might have been killed, Israeli Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant tweeted on Thursday, “You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall before you by the sword.’ — Leviticus 26. Our enemies cannot hide. We will pursue and eliminate them.”
This development follows the IDF’s earlier declaration of its intention to capture Sinwar, dead or alive.
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