The Israeli military has announced the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, marking a major victory in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Sinwar, 61, was killed on October 16, 2024, during a firefight in the southern Gaza Strip after a year-long pursuit. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Sinwar was tracked moving between homes in Rafah, trying to evade capture. He was eventually cornered and killed by IDF soldiers from the Southern Command.

Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari provided details of the operation, explaining that Sinwar was identified along with two other fighters. Drone footage released by the IDF showed Sinwar injured, his hand severely wounded, as he attempted to hide. In his final moments, Sinwar was spotted throwing a branch at the approaching drone before being shot by Israeli forces.

Sinwar, who replaced Hamas’s former chief Ismail Haniyeh in August 2024, was accused of orchestrating the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli civilians, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths. His death follows the earlier killing of Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, another key figure in the October 2023 assault.

The conflict has exacted a heavy toll on both sides. Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza, following the Hamas attacks, have led to the deaths of over 42,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Many of these casualties have been civilians, and the United Nations has recognized these figures as reliable.

As Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, the elimination of Yahya Sinwar represents a critical blow to Hamas’s leadership and a significant milestone in Israel’s broader campaign against the group.

The Israeli military has announced the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, marking a major victory in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Sinwar, 61, was killed on October 16, 2024, during a firefight in the southern Gaza Strip after a year-long pursuit. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Sinwar was tracked moving between homes in Rafah, trying to evade capture. He was eventually cornered and killed by IDF soldiers from the Southern Command.

Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari provided details of the operation, explaining that Sinwar was identified along with two other fighters. Drone footage released by the IDF showed Sinwar injured, his hand severely wounded, as he attempted to hide. In his final moments, Sinwar was spotted throwing a branch at the approaching drone before being shot by Israeli forces.

Sinwar, who replaced Hamas’s former chief Ismail Haniyeh in August 2024, was accused of orchestrating the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israeli civilians, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths. His death follows the earlier killing of Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, another key figure in the October 2023 assault.

The conflict has exacted a heavy toll on both sides. Israel’s retaliatory strikes in Gaza, following the Hamas attacks, have led to the deaths of over 42,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Many of these casualties have been civilians, and the United Nations has recognized these figures as reliable.

As Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, the elimination of Yahya Sinwar represents a critical blow to Hamas’s leadership and a significant milestone in Israel’s broader campaign against the group.