Yahya Sinwar Not Killed In Hiding, He Engaged Troops In Gunfight – Israeli Media

Yahya Sinwar, the political leader of Hamas, was killed in a shootout during an Israeli attack without prior intelligence, Israeli media reported.

Sinwar, Israel’s main target, was reportedly killed in a field clash in which he was wearing full military uniform, contradicting earlier Israeli claims that he had been hiding for months among Israeli prisoners in Gaza tunnels.

Israel’s official public broadcaster noted Thursday that Sinwar’s constant movements demonstrated his willingness to fight, as he was armed and carrying military equipment.

Earlier Thursday, the army said it had carried out dozens of operations in collaboration with the Shin Bet intelligence agency in recent months, which restricted Sinwar’s freedom of movement and ultimately led to his assassination.

It added that a unit from the 828th Brigade discovered and killed three Hamas members during a clash in southern Gaza. After DNA tests, Sinwar was confirmed to be among the dead.

The Israeli military claimed Sinwar was killed on Wednesday, but his body was only discovered after a search of the area on Thursday.

While the military did not specify where Sinwar was killed, Israeli media reported that the operation took place in the southern city of Rafah.