Tel Aviv

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday (Oct 17) confirmed that Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar was killed in a recent Gaza skirmish. As many as three Hamas militants were gunned down by the IDF troops during the ground operation in Gaza.

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According to the joint statement by 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. A force from the 828th Bislamach Brigade killed three terrorists, and one of them was identified today as Sinwar.

Notably, there was no hostage present in the area where the militants were killed. According to a Channel 12 report, the IDF troops had opened fire on a group of terrorists on the ground floor of the building, When they entered the building afterwards, they realised that one of the dead terrorists had an uncanny resemblance to Sinwar - leading to the probe. 

The probe

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After recovering the body IDF issued a statement on Thursday stating: “At this time, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed,” read a brief statement by the IDF.

“The IDF and Shin Bet forces operating in the area continue to operate under the necessary caution,” it added. 

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. 

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According to a Times of Israel report, after a few hours, all tests returned a positive identification that it was indeed Sinwar who was neutralised by IDF. 

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Who was Sinwar?

Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar was seen as one of the uncompromising top officials of 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.

After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas.

Also read | Israel-Hamas war: After hunting Haniyeh, Israel on prowl for Sinwar but there's a catch

In the 23 years he spent in Israel's jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel's political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies)