Official statement from the Israeli government or military

Israeli Media Report DNA Tests Indicate Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Killed in Gaza

Oct 17, 2024, 01:52 PM

Israeli forces are investigating reports that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas and orchestrator of the October 7 attacks on Israel, has been killed in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet are examining whether Sinwar was among three militants eliminated during recent operations. Channel 12 and other Israeli media outlets have reported that initial DNA tests indicate a high probability that Sinwar has been killed. The suspected body has been transferred to Israel, where the Israeli police's forensic team is using dental records to confirm his identity. Images purportedly showing his body have circulated online. The military noted that there were no signs of hostages in his vicinity. Official confirmation of Sinwar's death is pending, and Hamas has not yet commented on these reports.