Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza military operation, says Israel

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) says it has killed Yahya Sinwar, leader of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group.

Sinwar topped Israel’s most-wanted list and was believed to be the mastermind of the coordinated attacks on the Jewish nation on October 7 last year.

The IDF said Sinwar was killed on Wednesday after a “year-long pursuit”.

“In recent weeks, IDF and Israeli Security Agency forces, under the command of the Southern Command, have been operating in the southern Gaza Strip, following IDF and ISA intelligence that indicated the suspected locations of senior members of Hamas,” the military said in a statement released on Thursday.

“IDF soldiers of the 828th Brigade (Bislach) operating in the area identified and eliminated three terrorists.

“After completing the process of identifying the body, it can be confirmed that Yahya Sinwar was eliminated.”

Israeli police added that the forensics department completed a DNA test that affirmed Sinwar’s identification.

An edited clip released by the military showed what appeared to be the Hamas leader’s last moments.

In the video, a drone flies into a damaged building where a person — who the IDF says is Sinwar — can be seen sitting on a chair.

The figure’s body was positioned away from the drone but appeared to be looking toward the unmanned craft. The person’s face is obscured and sitting alone.

The video showed the figure holding what the IDF highlighted as a piece of wood, which the person lobs in the direction of the drone.

Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesperson, said Sinwar had been shot in the hand.

“This is the beginning of the day after Hamas,” Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli prime minister, said.

“Evil has suffered a heavy blow, but the task before us is not yet complete.”

The prime minister warned Hamas its leaders would be eliminated, asking members to surrender and release hostages with a promise of freedom in return.

Later, US President Joe Biden issued a statement congratulating Israel on the operation.

“This is a good day for Israel, for the United States and for the world,” Biden said.

Biden said he would be speaking to Netanyahu to discuss pathways for bringing hostages home and “ending this war once and for all”.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas.