Israel released footage showing former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar moving his belongings into a tunnel in Gaza, just hours before the October 7 attack last year. The video depicts Sinwar, along with his wife and children, transferring items like a television, water, pillows, and mattresses into the tunnel. Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the tunnel was located under Sinwar’s home in Khan Younis, and that it contained toilets, showers, and a kitchen. The footage was made public following Sinwar’s death in a firefight in Rafah.
Hamas described Sinwar’s death as heroic, refuting Israeli claims. Drone footage captured Sinwar’s last moments, showing him wounded and throwing an object at the drone before he was killed by a gunshot to the head. His finger was also found to be severed.
The death of Sinwar, who had recently succeeded Ismail Haniyeh, raises questions about Hamas’ leadership in the midst of the ongoing conflict, which has also spread to Lebanon.