Israel Kills Hamas Leader, Yahya Sinwar in Gaza Military Operation

Yahya Sinwar, who is the Leader of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group has been killed by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

Sinwar was top of Israel’s most-wanted list and was believed to be the one behind the coordinated attacks on the Jewish nation on October 7 last year.

The IDF said Sinwar was killed on Wednesday after a “year-long pursuit”.

“In recent weeks, IDF and Israeli Security Agency forces, under the command of the Southern Command, have been operating in the southern Gaza Strip, following IDF and ISA intelligence that indicated the suspected locations of senior members of Hamas,” the military said in a statement released on Thursday.

“IDF soldiers of the 828th Brigade (Bislach) operating in the area identified and eliminated three terrorists.

“After completing the process of identifying the body, it can be confirmed that Yahya Sinwar was eliminated.”

Israeli police further stated that the forensic department had completed DNA testing and confirmed Shinwar’s identity.

An edited video released by the army showed what appeared to be the last moments of the Hamas leader.

The video shows a drone flying into a damaged building, where a person (which the IDF says is Shinwar) sits in a chair.

The person’s body is far away from the drone, but appears to be looking toward the drone. The person’s face is not visible and he is sitting alone.

The video shows the person holding a piece of wood highlighted by the IDF, which he throws in the direction of the drone.

Israel Defense Forces spokesman Daniel Hagari said Sinwar was shot in the hand.

“This is the beginning of the day after Hamas,” Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, said.

“Evil has suffered a heavy blow, but the task before us is not yet complete.”

The prime minister warned Hamas its leaders would be eliminated, asking members to surrender and release hostages with a promise of freedom in return.

Later, US President Joe Biden issued a statement congratulating Israel on the operation.

“This is a good day for Israel, for the United States and for the world,” Biden said.

Biden said he would be speaking to Netanyahu to discuss pathways for bringing hostages home and “ending this war once and for all”.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas.