Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks on Tuesday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jerusalem on joining forces to counter threats from Iran. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Gallant Discusses Possible Actions Against Iran With Blinken

Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu, Blinken Hold Talks On Joining Forces To Counter Iran

Hamas is reportedly keeping the identity of its new political bureau chief hidden following the assassination of its Gaza leader, Yehya Sinwar, by Israel on Wednesday, as per a report by the Arabic-language newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat citing sources within the group.

Hamas is reportedly keeping the identity of its new political bureau chief hidden following the assassination of its Gaza leader, Yehya Sinwar, by Israel on Wednesday, as per a report by the Arabic-language newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat citing sources within the group. Just under three months ago, former political leader Ismail Haniyeh was also killed in Tehran. In light of the rising security threats, Hamas leadership is debating whether to reveal the new leader’s name. One source told Asharq Al-Awsat, "The leadership is likely to keep the identity confidential for safety reasons." The purpose behind this secrecy is to offer the new chief more operational flexibility and avoid further Israeli assassination attempts, which have claimed many of the group’s top figures. Concealing the leader’s identity is also expected to help stabilise internal operations and protect the group's structure. Additionally, keeping Israel uncertain about who is in charge could be a strategic advantage if discussions about a ceasefire or prisoner exchange resume in Gaza. Also read: Israel dismantles Iran ‘spy network’ in country, arrests seven citizens Since confirming Sinwar’s death on Friday, Hamas leaders have been deliberating over who will replace him and whether their identity should remain secret. Local reports suggest that several candidates are under consideration. One possible candidate is Mohammad Darwish, also known as Abu Omar Hassan, who leads Hamas’ Shura council. His prominence has grown since Haniyeh's death, as he has been more visible in official meetings. Another contender is Khalil Al-Hayya, Sinwar’s deputy, who has risen in importance after Sinwar's assassination. Al-Hayya currently heads Hamas in Gaza and is involved in ceasefire negotiations. Khaled Meshaal, a former long-serving leader of Hamas’ political bureau, is also being considered. Meshaal led the bureau for 21 years and now heads the group's external branch, though reports suggest he has previously turned down major roles for health reasons. Other names under consideration include Mohammed Nazzal, a founding member of Hamas from the West Bank, and Mousa Abu Marzouk, who co-founded Hamas and was its first political bureau chief. Hamas began hiding its leader’s identity in 2004 after Israel assassinated its founder, Ahmed Yassin, on March 22, and then his successor, Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi, on April 17. Since its inception in 1987, Hamas has had four political bureau chiefs: Abu Marzouk (1992-1996), Meshaal (1996-2017), Haniyeh (2017 until his assassination), and Sinwar. A new leader is expected to be appointed soon. (With inputs from agencies)

After Sinwar’s death, Hamas to keep new leader’s identity hidden to thwart future Israeli attacks

Hezbollah claimed it targeted the base of military intelligence unit 8200 located in Glilot near Tel Aviv and a "Naval base" near Haifa.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah Fires Rockets Into Central Israel

Israel said Monday that it had targeted about 300 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in 24 hours, pushing up its offensive to strike the group's finances, as the US appealed for the war to stop "as soon as possible".

Israel: Hezbollah Bunker Had Cash & Gold Worth Millions

Israeli PM Netanyahu said Yahya Sinwar's death offers a chance for peace in the Middle East. However, he warned that the war in Gaza was not over until its hostages were returned. Israel confirmed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the Oct. 7 attack, has been killed in Gaza. His death represents a major boost to the Israeli military and PM Netanyahu. Watch to know more!

Yahya Sinwar Killed: Netanyahu Warns Gaza War Won't End Until Hostages Return | WION Originals

Though Hezbollah's relentless drone attacks has caught Israeli air defenses off guard, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he is undeterred by groups threat. Watch video to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Hezbollah Used Shahed-107 To Target Israeli PM: Reports

The Gaza's civilians are facing another deadly threat of a famine. 1.8 million Palestinians are now facing acute food insecurity according to the World Food program. Many are on the brink of starvation with over 133,000 experiencing catastrophic hunger. Watch to know more.

Israel Escalates Gaza Strikes After Sinwar's Killing

The Israeli military announced the death of a brigade commander in a blast in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have been engaged in a sweeping assault targeting Hamas.

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Commander Killed In Battle In Northern Gaza

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli Colonel Killed In Combat In Northern Gaza, Tensions Escalates

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's home is in a central town that was struck by a drone, according to the Israeli military on Saturday. Two further drones were intercepted, but no one was hurt.

Hezbollah Exploits Israel's Blind Spot

Days after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli troops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the US military on Thursday (Oct 17) clarified that it had no direct involvement in the Israeli operation that resulted in the death of the militant group's leader.

However, the Pentagon revealed that American intelligence did play a supporting role.&nbsp;

Sinwar was killed in a firefight that ended with the Hamas leader cornered and alone in a destroyed building.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:150,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1836}">An Israeli operation</h2>

Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, emphasised that the mission was entirely an Israeli effort.

"This was an Israeli operation. There (were) no US&nbsp;forces directly involved," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiJ8aK-iJyJAxUYRmcHHUj6GV0QxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/troops-find-yahya-sinwars-letters-written-to-his-10-year-old-son-instilling-hatred-for-israel-report-768993" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/troops-find-yahya-sinwars-letters-written-to-his-10-year-old-son-instilling-hatred-for-israel-report-768993&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJ8aK-iJyJAxUYRmcHHUj6GV0QxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Troops find Yahya Sinwar's letters written to his 10-year-old son, instilling hatred for Israel: Report</a>

However, he acknowledged that US intelligence had contributed and said,&nbsp;"The United States has helped contribute information and intelligence as it relates to hostage recovery and the tracking and locating of Hamas leaders who have been responsible for holding hostages. And so certainly that contributes in general to the picture".

"But again, this was an Israeli operation. And I would refer you to them to talk about the details of how the operation went down," added the Pentagon spokesperson.

The Pentagon's clarification comes after US President Joe Biden, in a statement mentioned authorising US special operations and intelligence assistance to aid Israel's search for Sinwar and other militant leaders after the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:460,&quot;w&quot;:715,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2146}" data-ved="2ahUKEwiJ8aK-iJyJAxUYRmcHHUj6GV0QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-yahya-sinwar-the-butcher-of-khan-younis-israel-says-it-may-have-killed-768472" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-yahya-sinwar-the-butcher-of-khan-younis-israel-says-it-may-have-killed-768472&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJ8aK-iJyJAxUYRmcHHUj6GV0QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Who was Yahya Sinwar? The ‘Butcher of Khan Younis’ Israeli forces killed after year-long pursuit</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:514,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2200}">Who was Yahya Sinwar?</h2>

Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar as per Israel was the mastermind behind the Oct 7 attack.

Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar was seen as one of the&nbsp;uncompromising top officials of the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza.

"The mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who is responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers," said Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, in a statement on Thursday.

The IDF&nbsp;released a statement saying,&nbsp;"Yahya Sinwar was eliminated after hiding for the past year behind the civilian population of Gaza, both above and below ground in Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Days after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli troops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the US military on Thursday (Oct 17) clarified that it had no direct involvement in the Israeli operation that resulted in the death of the militant group's leader.

Days after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli troops in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, the US military on Thursday (Oct 17) clarified that it had no direct involvement in the Israeli operation that resulted in the death of the militant group's leader. However, the Pentagon revealed that American intelligence did play a supporting role. Sinwar was killed in a firefight that ended with the Hamas leader cornered and alone in a destroyed building. An Israeli operation Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, emphasised that the mission was entirely an Israeli effort. "This was an Israeli operation. There (were) no US forces directly involved," he said. Also read | Troops find Yahya Sinwar's letters written to his 10-year-old son, instilling hatred for Israel: Report However, he acknowledged that US intelligence had contributed and said, "The United States has helped contribute information and intelligence as it relates to hostage recovery and the tracking and locating of Hamas leaders who have been responsible for holding hostages. And so certainly that contributes in general to the picture". "But again, this was an Israeli operation. And I would refer you to them to talk about the details of how the operation went down," added the Pentagon spokesperson. The Pentagon's clarification comes after US President Joe Biden, in a statement mentioned authorising US special operations and intelligence assistance to aid Israel's search for Sinwar and other militant leaders after the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. Also read | Who was Yahya Sinwar? The ‘Butcher of Khan Younis’ Israeli forces killed after year-long pursuit Who was Yahya Sinwar? Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar as per Israel was the mastermind behind the Oct 7 attack. Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar was seen as one of the uncompromising top officials of the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza. "The mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who is responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers," said Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, in a statement on Thursday. The IDF released a statement saying, "Yahya Sinwar was eliminated after hiding for the past year behind the civilian population of Gaza, both above and below ground in Hamas tunnels in the Gaza Strip." (With inputs from agencies)

'No US forces directly involved': Pentagon clarifies role in Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s death

Israeli strikes in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza killed at least 87 people on Sunday (Oct 20) as per the Hamas-run local authorities. As the 'horrifying scenes' unfolded in northern Gaza, UN special co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, in a statement, said that the "nightmare in Gaza is intensifying" and there is an "ever-worsening humanitarian crisis".

Israeli strikes in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza killed at least 87 people on Sunday (Oct 20) as per the Hamas-run local authorities. As the 'horrifying scenes' unfolded in northern Gaza, UN special co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, in a statement, said that the "nightmare in Gaza is intensifying" and there is an "ever-worsening humanitarian crisis". Also Read: West Asia crisis: Israel says it hit Hezbollah's command centre in Lebanon's Beirut. Watch "In Beit Lahia last night, dozens were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes. Nowhere is safe in Gaza," he said. Israel attacks Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon retaliates with 160 rockets Israel's military on Sunday (October 20) said that it had hit the intelligence headquarters of Hezbollah in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, in which 73 people were killed in a single air strike. Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut came under attack after the Iran-backed group was accused of trying to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by attacking his residence with a drone. Around 160 rockets were launched from Lebanon into the north of Israel and nearly 70 of them were intercepted within minutes on Sunday (October 20). "Following the sirens that sounded between 11:09 and 11:12 am in the Western Galilee and Upper Galilee areas, approximately 70 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon," stated Israel's military on X. In northern Israel, several major roads were also closed as emergency services made an attempt to put out the fire caused by rockets. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Pressure Builds On Netanyahu After Yahya Sinwar's Killing Hezbollah on Sunday said it launched rocket salvos at Israeli "enemy forces" on the outskirts of Markaba villages and on soldiers nearby "west of the village of Adaisseh", stated the group. Hezbollah fighters also fired "a big rocket salvo" at an Israeli army base close to Safed "in defence of Lebanon" and "in response to the Israeli enemy's attacks on villages and homes". Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, in its latest update, said that 87 people have lost their lives and 158 others have suffered injuries in the last 24 hours. As per the ministry, at least 42,603 Palestinians have been killed and 99,795 others have been injured since the Israel-Hamas war started after the October 7 attack in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 others were taken hostage by the terror group. Out of the 251, nearly 100 hostages have still been kept in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli strikes on northern Gaza kill at least 87 as Beirut attack continues

Families of hostages and others who support them said it was long overdue to sit down and discuss a deal at the weekly demonstrations against Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Israel-Hamas War: Thousands Of Israelis Demand Gaza Hostage Release Deal

Israel sent more troops to support operations in Jabalia, Gaza's largest historic refugee camp, as part of an escalation of its military onslaught in northern Gaza on Friday.

Israel-Hamas War: Several Feared Dead After Israeli Strikes In Gaza

In this story, we question: What happens to the hostages and Gaza's ceasefire deal. We also question how the axis of resistance will respond to Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar's killing?

How Will Hamas Fight After Sinwar?

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was "eliminated" by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), earlier this week, tried to instil hatred in his 10-year-old son for Israel through letters, according to Israeli&nbsp;media reports.&nbsp;

Israeli troops searched homes near where Sinwar was killed, and reportedly found letters he sent and received, including his correspondence with his son.&nbsp;

Sinwar wrote several sermons to his son, which were excoriating Israel, according to a local media outlet, Channel 12.&nbsp;

His 10-year-old boy in turn reportedly sent his father drawings of dead Israeli soldiers, and at one point was said to ask when the war would end.

Sinwar was considered to be the architect of the deadly October 7 attack on Israel, where thousands of people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in Gaza.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/skull-damaged-fingers-chopped-off-chilling-details-revealed-in-hamas-chief-yahya-sinwars-autopsy-768841">Also read:&nbsp;Skull damaged, fingers chopped off: Chilling details revealed in Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s autopsy</a>

The Hamas chief was killed on Wednesday (Oct 16) in a chance encounter with Israeli troops operating in southern Gaza's Rafah.&nbsp;

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that Sinwar was on the move, trying to hide as the Israeli troops made advances in Rafah. He was possibly shot in his hand and was hiding in the building when the IDF soldiers hit it.&nbsp;

Notably, Sinwar had been imprisoned for 23 years in an Israeli prison for the murder of Palestinians whom he suspected of cooperating with Israel.&nbsp;

In October 2011, he was one of over 1000 prisoners&nbsp;Israel released in return for Gilad Shalit, a soldier Hamas abducted in 2006.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Death of Yahya Sinwar a Heavy Blow to Palestinian Group, Says Israel

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Following Sinwar's killing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message. This war can end tomorrow."

“It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages. Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages,” Netanyahu added.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was "eliminated" by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), earlier this week, tried to instil hatred in his 10-year-old son for Israel through letters, according to Israeli media reports.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was "eliminated" by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), earlier this week, tried to instil hatred in his 10-year-old son for Israel through letters, according to Israeli media reports. Israeli troops searched homes near where Sinwar was killed, and reportedly found letters he sent and received, including his correspondence with his son. Sinwar wrote several sermons to his son, which were excoriating Israel, according to a local media outlet, Channel 12. His 10-year-old boy in turn reportedly sent his father drawings of dead Israeli soldiers, and at one point was said to ask when the war would end. Sinwar was considered to be the architect of the deadly October 7 attack on Israel, where thousands of people were killed and 251 were taken hostage in Gaza. Also read: Skull damaged, fingers chopped off: Chilling details revealed in Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s autopsy The Hamas chief was killed on Wednesday (Oct 16) in a chance encounter with Israeli troops operating in southern Gaza's Rafah. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that Sinwar was on the move, trying to hide as the Israeli troops made advances in Rafah. He was possibly shot in his hand and was hiding in the building when the IDF soldiers hit it. Notably, Sinwar had been imprisoned for 23 years in an Israeli prison for the murder of Palestinians whom he suspected of cooperating with Israel. In October 2011, he was one of over 1000 prisoners Israel released in return for Gilad Shalit, a soldier Hamas abducted in 2006. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Death of Yahya Sinwar a Heavy Blow to Palestinian Group, Says Israel × Following Sinwar's killing, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message. This war can end tomorrow." “It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages. Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages,” Netanyahu added. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Troops find Yahya Sinwar's letters written to his 10-year-old son, instilling hatred for Israel: Report

An Israeli airstrike has killed 33 people early on Saturday, as Hamas confirm the death of the group's leader Yahya Sinwar.

Israel-Hamas War: At Least 33 Killed By Israeli Strike On Gaza's Jabalia Camp

The one million children in Gaza are living a "hell on Earth", the UN said Friday, with around 40 children having been killed there every day over the past year.

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza 'Hell On Earth' For One Million Children: UN

With Israeli forces confirming Sinwar's killing, the year long hunt for the Hamas leader comes to an end. It's a good day for the world that is what the US President Joe Biden said who spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the phone and congratulated him.

Yahya Sinwar Killed In Rafah: Sinwar's Death Opens 'New Phase' In Gaza War: Giorgia Meloni

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff,&nbsp;Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, on Thursday (Oct 17)&nbsp;revealed that his troops did not have intel that they would run into Hamas chief, Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in a Gaza&nbsp;building, alongside two other militants.&nbsp;

Halevi, speaking from&nbsp;ground zero where the operation took place, stated that his soldiers maintained professionalism and got the job done to neutralise the mastermind of the October 7 attacks despite not having any intel.&nbsp;

“Look, we have done many special forces operations in this war, where he had excellent information, we sent prepared troops with instructions where to go,” said Halevi.&nbsp;

“Here, we didn’t know. and the response is very strong, its not weak. It's your professionalism, and determination, and the precise identification and the awareness," the IDF chief of staff added, who was joined by&nbsp;Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, IDF Southern Command head Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, Head of the Operations Directorate Maj. Gen. Oded Basyuk, and Gaza Division commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/revealed-israels-secret-plan-to-strike-iran-768498">Watch |&nbsp;Revealed: Israel’s Secret Plan to Strike Iran</a>

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<h2>The only piece of intel</h2>

According to the joint statement by the IDF and Shin Bet, over the last few weeks,&nbsp;the 162nd Division and Gaza Division had been operating in Gaza in areas&nbsp;where intelligence indicated that&nbsp;senior Hamas officials were hiding.&nbsp;

That was the only piece of intel IDF troops had when a&nbsp;force from the 828th Bislamach Brigade saw several Hamas militants entering a building during the operation. Consequently,&nbsp;they persuaded them which led to the ultimate kill.&nbsp;

After recovering the body, the IDF issued a statement saying it needed some time to confirm the identity.&nbsp;Sinwar’s body was brought to Israel for DNA analysis as his data and other biometric information were stored from his time in prison there. According to a report by news agency&nbsp;AFP, the IDF also ran dental checks which returned positive identification.&nbsp;

“The mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who is responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers,” Israeli Foreign Minister&nbsp;Israel Katz said in a statement.&nbsp;

“This is a great military and moral achievement for Israel and a victory for the entire free world against the evil axis of radical Islam led by Iran,” he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-confirms-hamas-chief-yahya-sinwar-killed-in-idf-operation-in-gaza-768495">Also read |&nbsp;‘Mass murderer’ and ‘Oct 7 attacks architect’ Yahya Sinwar killed by IDF, confirms Israel</a>

Israel's announcement on Sinwar comes weeks after it assassinated Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a massive strike in Lebanon, where the Israeli military has been at war since late September.&nbsp;

Prior to that, Israel had also assassinated Sinwar's predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh in a bomb strike at a Tehran guest house in July.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, on Thursday (Oct 17) revealed that his troops did not have intel that they would run into Hamas chief, Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in a Gaza building, alongside two other militants.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, on Thursday (Oct 17) revealed that his troops did not have intel that they would run into Hamas chief, Yahya Sinwar, who was killed in a Gaza building, alongside two other militants. Halevi, speaking from ground zero where the operation took place, stated that his soldiers maintained professionalism and got the job done to neutralise the mastermind of the October 7 attacks despite not having any intel. “Look, we have done many special forces operations in this war, where he had excellent information, we sent prepared troops with instructions where to go,” said Halevi. “Here, we didn’t know. and the response is very strong, its not weak. It's your professionalism, and determination, and the precise identification and the awareness," the IDF chief of staff added, who was joined by Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, IDF Southern Command head Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, Head of the Operations Directorate Maj. Gen. Oded Basyuk, and Gaza Division commander Brig. Gen. Barak Hiram. Watch | Revealed: Israel’s Secret Plan to Strike Iran × The only piece of intel According to the joint statement by the IDF and Shin Bet, over the last few weeks, the 162nd Division and Gaza Division had been operating in Gaza in areas where intelligence indicated that senior Hamas officials were hiding. That was the only piece of intel IDF troops had when a force from the 828th Bislamach Brigade saw several Hamas militants entering a building during the operation. Consequently, they persuaded them which led to the ultimate kill. After recovering the body, the IDF issued a statement saying it needed some time to confirm the identity. Sinwar’s body was brought to Israel for DNA analysis as his data and other biometric information were stored from his time in prison there. According to a report by news agency AFP, the IDF also ran dental checks which returned positive identification. “The mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who is responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. “This is a great military and moral achievement for Israel and a victory for the entire free world against the evil axis of radical Islam led by Iran,” he added. Also read | ‘Mass murderer’ and ‘Oct 7 attacks architect’ Yahya Sinwar killed by IDF, confirms Israel Israel's announcement on Sinwar comes weeks after it assassinated Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a massive strike in Lebanon, where the Israeli military has been at war since late September. Prior to that, Israel had also assassinated Sinwar's predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh in a bomb strike at a Tehran guest house in July. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Sinwar was killed accidentally: Here's how IDF troops who didn't have intel about Hamas chief neutralised him

Yahya Sinwar Dies, Drone Footage:&nbsp;A shocking video captured by an Israeli drone shows Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s last minutes of being alive. The mastermind of the Oct 7 operation can be seen swinging a piece of wood at the device with his left hand before he was killed, officials said.

After a group of IDF soldiers hit a building in Rafah on Thursday, they inspected the building by deploying the drone. Little did they know that it would spot Sinwar, and at the time they weren't even aware that they were looking at the same man they had been hunting for since the retaliation began.

Sinwar, in the video&nbsp;appears to be missing his right hand and can be seen sitting on a couch alone with his face covered. When he notices the drone hovering near him, he tries to shoo it away by throwing something at the device However, he fails to hit it.&nbsp;

The soldiers then order a second strike at the building resulting in Sinwar's death, along with two other Hamas terrorists.

<h2>Yahya Sinwar&nbsp;Drone Footage Raw Video</h2>

WARNING: GRAPHIC FOOTAGE. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

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Raw footage of Yahya Sinwar’s last moments: <a href="https://t.co/GJGDlu7bie">pic.twitter.com/GJGDlu7bie</a>
— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) <a href="https://twitter.com/LTC_Shoshani/status/1847009507685146644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

His identity was confirmed after the soldiers recovered his body and matched it with the DNA samples taken by the Israeli military during his time at a prison.&nbsp;

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that Sinwar was on the move, trying to hide as IDF made advances in Rafah. He was possibly shot in his hand and was hiding in the building when the Israeli troops hit it.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sinwar-was-killed-accidentally-heres-how-idf-troops-who-didnt-have-intel-about-hamas-chief-neutralised-him-768508">Here's how IDF troops who didn't have intel about Hamas chief neutralised him</a>

US and Israeli officials are hailing his death as a major blow to Hamas and believe this could possibly end the war in Gaza. This might also mean freedom for the remaining 97 hostages who were abducted on Oct 7.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message. This war can end tomorrow."

“It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages. Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages,” Netanyahu added.

Watch:&nbsp;Who Is Yahya Sinwar, Hamas Chief Killed In Gaza Strike?

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Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi stated that they did not have intel about Sinwar being present in the Gaza building.&nbsp;

“Look, we have done many special forces operations in this war, where he had excellent information, we sent prepared troops with instructions where to go,” said Halevi.&nbsp;

“Here, we didn’t know. and the response is very strong, its not weak. It's your professionalism, and determination, and the precise identification and the awareness," he stated.

IDF and Shin Bet released a joint statement revealing that the 162nd Division and Gaza Division had been operating in Gaza over the past few weeks in areas where they suspected senior Hamas officials were hiding.&nbsp;

Following on this, IDF persuaded a force from the 828th Bislamach Brigade to attack the building after their troops saw several Hamas militants entering it.&nbsp;

IDF issued a statement saying it needed time to confirm the identity of the man who was killed in the attack. His body was brought to Israel where a DNA analysis was done. Dental checks were also carried out which confirmed that it was Sinwar.&nbsp;

“The mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who is responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.&nbsp;

“This is a great military and moral achievement for Israel and a victory for the entire free world against the evil axis of radical Islam led by Iran,” he added.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Yahya Sinwar Dies, Drone Footage: A shocking video captured by an Israeli drone shows Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s last minutes of being alive. The mastermind of the Oct 7 operation can be seen swinging a piece of wood at the device with his left hand before he was killed, officials said.

Yahya Sinwar Dies, Drone Footage: A shocking video captured by an Israeli drone shows Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s last minutes of being alive. The mastermind of the Oct 7 operation can be seen swinging a piece of wood at the device with his left hand before he was killed, officials said. After a group of IDF soldiers hit a building in Rafah on Thursday, they inspected the building by deploying the drone. Little did they know that it would spot Sinwar, and at the time they weren't even aware that they were looking at the same man they had been hunting for since the retaliation began. Sinwar, in the video appears to be missing his right hand and can be seen sitting on a couch alone with his face covered. When he notices the drone hovering near him, he tries to shoo it away by throwing something at the device However, he fails to hit it. The soldiers then order a second strike at the building resulting in Sinwar's death, along with two other Hamas terrorists. Yahya Sinwar Drone Footage Raw Video WARNING: GRAPHIC FOOTAGE. VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED Raw footage of Yahya Sinwar’s last moments: pic.twitter.com/GJGDlu7bie — LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) October 17, 2024 × His identity was confirmed after the soldiers recovered his body and matched it with the DNA samples taken by the Israeli military during his time at a prison. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that Sinwar was on the move, trying to hide as IDF made advances in Rafah. He was possibly shot in his hand and was hiding in the building when the Israeli troops hit it. Also Read: Here's how IDF troops who didn't have intel about Hamas chief neutralised him US and Israeli officials are hailing his death as a major blow to Hamas and believe this could possibly end the war in Gaza. This might also mean freedom for the remaining 97 hostages who were abducted on Oct 7. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "To the people of Gaza, I have a simple message. This war can end tomorrow." “It can end if Hamas lays down its arms and returns our hostages. Israel will guarantee the safety of all those who return our hostages,” Netanyahu added. Watch: Who Is Yahya Sinwar, Hamas Chief Killed In Gaza Strike? × Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi stated that they did not have intel about Sinwar being present in the Gaza building. “Look, we have done many special forces operations in this war, where he had excellent information, we sent prepared troops with instructions where to go,” said Halevi. “Here, we didn’t know. and the response is very strong, its not weak. It's your professionalism, and determination, and the precise identification and the awareness," he stated. IDF and Shin Bet released a joint statement revealing that the 162nd Division and Gaza Division had been operating in Gaza over the past few weeks in areas where they suspected senior Hamas officials were hiding. Following on this, IDF persuaded a force from the 828th Bislamach Brigade to attack the building after their troops saw several Hamas militants entering it. IDF issued a statement saying it needed time to confirm the identity of the man who was killed in the attack. His body was brought to Israel where a DNA analysis was done. Dental checks were also carried out which confirmed that it was Sinwar. “The mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, who is responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was killed today by IDF soldiers,” Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. “This is a great military and moral achievement for Israel and a victory for the entire free world against the evil axis of radical Islam led by Iran,” he added.

Yahya Sinwar Drone Footage | Shocking video shows Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar's last moments

After a year of the Gaza war, Israeli soldiers killed Yahya Sinwar. Israel celebrated his death, and the U.S. congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on this achievement. Americans even took credit for it, highlighting how American soldiers assisted Israeli troops in locating and tracking Sinwar. But as more information trickled in, a question arose: Was the major "relief" that Israel and the U.S. were celebrating only possible due to a chance encounter?

How America Helped Israel Kill Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, France has strongly urged for the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas. French officials have condemned the hostage-taking, calling it a violation of international law, and are pressing for diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of captives, including foreign nationals, as the conflict intensifies.

Israel-Hamas War: France Demands Release Of All Hostages Held By Hamas

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