Israel says it's 'checking possibility' it killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza | BBC News

Israel says it's 'checking possibility' it killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza | BBC News

Breaking News: Potential Death of Hamas Leader

Israeli Army's Claims

  • The Israeli Army is investigating whether Yaya Sinwar, the chief of Hamas, was killed during a military operation in Gaza.
  • The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that they cannot yet confirm the identity of the terrorists involved; no signs indicated that Israeli hostages were present at the site.

Significance of Yaya Sinwar

  • Yaya Sinwar became the overall leader of Hamas after Ismail Haniya's death in Iran. His leadership is significant due to his role in orchestrating attacks against Israel.
  • If confirmed dead, this event could mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Insights from Gaza Correspondent

  • Rashi Abu Alu reported that Sinwar was recognized as responsible for the October 7th attacks and had been imprisoned for over 20 years before being released in 2013.
  • Following his release, he quickly rose to prominence within Hamas, controlling its military wing and leading operations primarily from Gaza.

Current Developments and Reactions

  • There are conflicting reports regarding Sinwar's status; while a photo circulating on social media resembles him, its authenticity remains unverified.
  • Palestinians are actively sharing news about his potential death across social media platforms despite no official confirmation from Hamas.

Operational Security Measures

  • Sinwar operated under tight security measures and was known to have a human shield around him, making it difficult for Israeli intelligence to track him effectively.
Channel: BBC News
Video description

Israel says it's "checking the possibility" that it killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during a military operation in Gaza - but adds it is not confirmed. Sinwar is believed to be a key figure in the planning and execution of the 7 October attacks on Israel last year. In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces says the identity of "three dead terrorists" had yet to be confirmed. "In the building where the terrorists were eliminated, there were no signs of the presence of hostages in the area," the IDF said. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/1rbfUog For more news, analysis and features visit: www.bbc.com/news #Israel #Gaza #BBCNews