Graphic Image Warning
Images of the corpse that turned out to belong to Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar started flooding social media before authorities confirmed it was his.
Different users were speculating about the possibility that the body, which has a deep head wound as well as one in the right leg, was indeed the mastermind of the October 7 attacks. Most focused on his characteristic ears as well as one particular image that showed a big similarity with those of him while still alive and during Hamas events.
GRAPHIC WARNING
— Mike (@Doranimated) October 17, 2024
Photos out of Gaza on the interwebs purport to document the corpse of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Is he really dead? We’ll soon know. For early confirmation, watch for an announcement of an official period of mourning from Harvard, Columbia, and UCLA. pic.twitter.com/kgtkgNspOZ
Others analyzed his teeth, which also have some characteristic features such a dent in one of his front teeth and a gap in the lower area. A mole on the left side of his face seemed to further confirm his identity.
IDF:
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) October 17, 2024
The IDF and Shin Bet are investigating the possibility that Yahya Sinwar Eliminated pic.twitter.com/J5EVhgUPF3
In an X publication, the official account of the Israeli government said that "three terrorists were eliminated" during IDF operations and that authorities were"checking the possibility" that Sinwar was one of them. Israeli media then confirmed the killing.
"At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed. In the building where the terrorists were eliminated, there were no signs of the presence of hostages in the area. The forces that are operating in the area are continuing to operate with the required caution. More details to follow," the publication adds.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant seemed to make reference to the killing in an X post of his. " "You will pursue your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword." - Leviticus 26. Our enemies cannot hide. We will pursue and eliminate them," he said.
“You will pursue your enemies and they will fall before you by the sword.” - Leviticus 26
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) October 17, 2024
Our enemies cannot hide. We will pursue and eliminate them. pic.twitter.com/FDJ7obPIM7
Sinwar was both the political and military leader of Hamas after the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Iran in July. He is also accused of being the mastermind of the October 7 attacks, when some 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage. It is estimated that 101 of them remain captive in Gaza, with a third presumed dead.
The IDF and the Shin Bet intelligence agency said the incident took place on Wednesday night when, during a routine patrol, IDF soldiers encountered three armed men and killed them after exchanging fire. The encounter was incidental and not based on intelligence.
Sinwar, 61, was nicknamed the "butcher of Khan Younis," the city he was born in, due to his violent and uncompromising nature. He is considered a terrorist by the U.S. and was sanctioned in September of terrorism, murder conspiracy, and sanctions-evasion charges. Hamas is also a designated foreign terrorist organization.
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