The IDF reported that after killing the hostages in late August, Sinwar began moving around without using the other hostages as human shields.

On Thursday, October 17, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an unexpected operation in Tel Sultan in Rafah. During this operation, a prominent Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, was killed. Although rumors of his death began circulating earlier in the day, sources confirmed the news to The Jerusalem Post later that evening.

Shortly after, around 7:45, the IDF, Shin Bet, Foreign Minister Israel Katz and other officials confirmed that Yahya Sinwar had indeed been killed.

Evidence confirming Sinwar's death was found in 2011, matching his dental and fingerprint records in an Israeli prison before his release.

All signs so far indicate that no hostages were harmed during the impromptu operation.

Earlier on Thursday, the IDF and the Shin Bet (ISA) issued a joint statement saying, “Preliminary reports – during an operation in the Gaza Strip, three terrorists were killed.” The IDF and Shin Bet are looking into the possibility that one of them was killed. Yahya Sinwar was a terrorist. However, the IDF noted that the terrorists have not yet been identified.

There were no signs of any hostages in the building where the militants were killed. Troops operating in the area are continuing their operations with necessary precautions.

It was later revealed that Sinwar was identified and killed by Division 162, 828 Bislach Brigade. The operation involved tanks from Battalion 195 and infantry from Battalion 450. Reports indicate that one of Sinwar's fingers was cut off and taken to Israel for rapid identification. The IDF soldiers suspected members of Hamas in the building they targeted. After firing at the location, they found Sinwar's dead body inside.

One of the terrorists targeted in the IDF offensive in Gaza was the commander of the Khan Younis division of Hamas. He had remained close to Sinwar since the beginning of the war.

The IDF believes Sinwar was hiding in the same tunnel complex from which the six hostages—Hersh Goldberg-Paulin, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Ori Danino—were held in Rafah.

The IDF reported that after killing the hostages in late August, Sinwar began moving around without using the other hostages as human shields.

Sources revealed that Sinwar may have been nearly killed in an operation in Tel Sultan in August, warning the IDF that they were close to tracking him down.

The US confirmed that it provided regular intelligence to help track down Sinwar and locate the Israeli hostages.

At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 16, Bislach troops observed suspicious persons entering and exiting the building. In response, they opened fire on the structure.

At 3pm, the drone saw three people walking through the houses. Two of them were seen scanning the area ahead, while the third trailed behind.

They continued firing, injuring some people. Two of them fled into a building, while the third person, later identified as Sinwar, ran into a different building.

Sinwar went to the second floor of the building. IDF tanks fired on the structure and drones were used to inspect the target. Covering his face, he tried to attack the drone. The tank fired at him again. The IDF then awaited confirmation through facial recognition, dental records, fingerprints and DNA tests.

According to N12's Amit Segal, among the items found on Sinwar's body were Mentos (a type of candy), cash, an AK-47, a lighter and an identification card stating that he was an UNRWA employee, the Jerusalem Post reported.

Hours after the report, the Israel Police released a statement saying, “Following recent reports of Yahya Sinwar being identified as the killer, the Israel Police, the IDF and the Shin Bet are working together to confirm his identity.”

Once these processes are completed, we will be able to confirm the murder. More details will be shared as they become available.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi commented on the killing, “We have dealt with Sinwar, who is responsible for the difficult day we experienced last year.”

Standing alongside Shin Bet Chief Ronen Barr and IDF Southern Command chief Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman, Halevi said the IDF had conducted several operations targeting Sinwar, which eventually led to this moment.
Although the final operation that killed Sinwar was not based on prior intelligence, Halevy explained that the success was the result of the military's ongoing efforts to conduct operations across Gaza, particularly in Rafah, aimed at finding Hamas members.

“Sinwar's life ended in defeat,” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said. He was hunted down while on the run, and instead of leading as a commander, he focused only on saving himself.

Gallant added, “This sends a clear message to the families of the dead and hostages, as well as to the people of Gaza. The man responsible for this disaster is gone. Now is the time to release the hostages and surrender.”

Sinwar planned the October 7 attack, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,200 people, including Israelis and foreigners. More than 250 people were taken hostage, 101 are still in Gaza.
Sinwar planned the October 7 attack, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,200 people, including Israelis and foreigners. More than 250 people were taken hostage, 101 are still in Gaza.

The use of people as human shields was believed to be hidden in Sinwar Khan Younis and Hamas tunnels located in Rafah. To avoid being tracked, he would frequently change his position and move around. He ensured he remained undetected by staying away from communication networks, relying on trusted messengers to send information.

Major General Dan Goldfuss revealed that he came very close to capturing Sinwar in March. He explained that they were minutes away from reaching Sinwar's large hideout, where he was holding several hostages.

The Hamas leader was believed to be using the remaining hostages as human shields to protect himself. This strategy prevented the IDF from launching an attack to finish him off, as they did not want to harm the hostages.

There were mixed reports about whether Sinwar had left the tunnels during the Israel-Hamas war. However, the IDF obtained video footage of a Hamas leader walking through the tunnel in February of this year.

Israel has killed several top Hamas leaders. These include Ismail Haniyeh, the group's political head killed in Tehran in July, and Mohammad Def, a military commander killed in Gaza the same month. Others killed included Def's deputy Marwan Issa and Haniyeh's deputy Salah al-Arouri.