Israel has released new footage showing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in a tunnel under his home just hours before the deadly October 7 attack on Israel. The video, shared by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), shows Sinwar moving equipment into the underground hideout, preparing for a prolonged stay as Hamas prepared to launch its assault.
The grainy footage, which surfaced on Saturday, reveals Sinwar, his wife, and children walking through the tunnel under their home in Khan Younis. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari commented during a televised briefing, saying, "You can see how Sinwar and his family members escape to an underground compound just hours before the brutal massacre." The footage shows Sinwar in a plain t-shirt, accompanied by his family, moving supplies including food, water, mattresses, and even a plasma screen.
According to Hagari, the tunnel system was equipped with toilets, showers, and a kitchen, suggesting that Sinwar had prepared for a long-term stay. The underground bunker, hidden beneath his home, was designed to allow him and his family to evade capture, while the attack on Israeli civilians was underway.
Sinwar was one of the masterminds behind the October 7 attack that triggered the current war. He had remained in hiding for over a year, evading several Israeli attempts to capture or kill him. Drone footage, released after his death, shows Sinwar injured, throwing an object at the drone in his final moments.
Israeli military officials confirmed that Sinwar was killed by a gunshot to the head. The IDF released footage of the tank strike that targeted the building where he was hiding.
Sinwar’s death has not slowed the ongoing conflict. As Israeli strikes continue to hit targets across Gaza, the death toll has soared, with over 100 civilians reported dead in recent bombardments. Tensions have escalated with Hezbollah in Lebanon, as both Hamas and Hezbollah vow to continue their fight against Israel.
Israel's military has reiterated its commitment to dismantling Hamas, as evidenced by its Saturday leaflet drops over southern Gaza, proclaiming, "Hamas will no longer rule Gaza." Meanwhile, international negotiations for a potential ceasefire remain stalled, despite pressure from Western leaders.
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