Israeli cabinet ministers believe Hamas chief Sinwar 'very likely dead': Report
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar
Israeli cabinet ministers believe that Sinwar is very likely dead, according to a report in Times of Israel, citing two of Israel’s broadcasters, Kan and Channel 12.
"Members of the security cabinet have been informed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is very likely dead, two officials with knowledge of the matter say," the media report stated.
What does the IDF say?
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday (Oct 17) said it wasinvestigating the possibility ofSinwar being killed in a Gaza skirmish.
As many as three Hamas militants were gunned down by the IDF troops during the operation on Wednesday (Oct 16).
"During IDF operations in Gaza, threeterrorists were eliminated. The IDF and ISA are checking the possibility that one of the terrorists was Yahya Sinwar. At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed,” read a brief statement by the Israeli military.
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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.
Israeli media reports claim that IDF troops did not know that Sinwar was in the building where they had launched the attack.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant also posted a cryptic message on social media.
"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," wrote Gallant.
Who is Sinwar?
Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of theuncompromising 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.
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 byHamas.
For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, killing Sinwar would help send a message that Hamas' top leadership had been completely wiped out – making it easier for him to end the military campaign 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.