Drone footage reveals an Israeli tank targeting a building in Rafah, identified as the hideout of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) state that this building was where Sinwar had barricaded himself.
The IDF successfully eliminated Yahya Sinwar during an armor-infantry assault in Rafah, Southern Gaza. The operation, led by Israel’s 828th Brigade, involved “intelligence-based targeted raids.” Post-assault, the troops conducted a damage assessment, discovering assault rifles, sniper rifles, and Sinwar’s body within the ruined hideout.
Additionally, the IDF released a video depicting the tank attack that destroyed the building. Following the strike, ground forces moved in, finding weaponry, including AK assault rifles and an SVD Dragunov sniper rifle.
In subsequent ground operations captured on video, troops confirmed the elimination of Sinwar. MG Yaron Finkelman, Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, commended the troops for their effective engagement and significant contribution to the operation.
Read: Yahya Sinwar, Hamas Chief, Killed in Israeli Military Operation
CNN reported that Israeli forces identified a body resembling Sinwar’s and performed a DNA confirmation by comparing a severed finger to a profile from Sinwar’s previous imprisonment in Israel. He was released in 2011 following a prisoner swap deal.
Further reports by CNN showed injuries to the body consistent with a tank shell and a fatal bullet wound to the head, validating IDF’s claim of the tank round’s effectiveness.
Sinwar was a key figure behind the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which led to significant casualties and a prolonged Israeli military response in Gaza, targeting Hamas leadership and resulting in extensive loss of life.
Following Sinwar’s death, discussions about the potential return of hostages held in Gaza have intensified, with Hamas’s deputy leader expressing conditions for their release tied to the cessation of Israeli military actions.
