The Israeli military (IDF) has released drone footage showing what it claims to be the final moments of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The video, captured during an operation in Gaza, shows Sinwar in a destroyed apartment, alone and covered in dust from the recent shelling. With walls blown out and debris scattered around, Sinwar sits hunched in a chair, his face concealed by a scarf. The footage reveals a severely wounded right arm, and in a last defiant act, Yahya Sinwar is seen flinging a stick at the approaching Israeli drone.
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari detailed the events surrounding Sinwar’s death, explaining that the military initially identified Sinwar as a fighter based on the drone scan. Following this identification, additional shells were fired at the building, collapsing it and killing Sinwar. Israeli infantry forces later recovered his body, which was found wearing a bulletproof vest and surrounded by grenades, as well as 40,000 shekels in cash (approximately $10,707).
Hagari described Sinwar’s attempted escape, stating that he fled into a building in the Tal El Sultan area of southern Gaza, which was under intense search by Israeli forces. The footage shows Yahya Sinwar, injured by gunfire, trying to evade capture, but Israeli forces ultimately neutralized him. According to Hagari, the footage and the subsequent discovery of his body confirm his death.
Sinwar, a key figure in Hamas, was believed to have been hiding in a vast network of tunnels that Hamas had constructed beneath Gaza. This underground network, built over two decades, had served as a refuge for many of the group’s leaders. However, as Israeli troops continued to uncover these tunnels, they were able to close in on Sinwar’s location, reducing the areas where he could operate undetected.
Despite going to great lengths to avoid detection—reportedly abandoning all telecommunication devices in the months leading to his death—Israeli intelligence tracked him down. His identity was later confirmed through dental records, fingerprints, and DNA testing.
Israel had claimed Yahya Sinwar as a critical figure behind the October 7, 202, violence, which triggered the ongoing genocidal war in Gaza. His death marks a significant blow to Hamas as Israeli operations continue.
