An analysis of videos and photos released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has revealed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in one of the few remaining houses in a residential area of Rafah. The geolocation was determined by comparing recent satellite imagery to images shared on social media by the IDF.
The house where Sinwar was found was located approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) from what appeared to be an IDF forward operating base or vehicle depot. Satellite images from Planet Labs showed military vehicles and a bulldozer parked among newly constructed earthen berms in the vicinity over multiple days and weeks.
According to IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari, Sinwar was killed in the Tal al-Sultan area of Rafah. It remains unclear whether Sinwar had been sheltering in the area for an extended period or had sought refuge there recently.
The area had remained relatively untouched by the conflict until August 28 when a group of homes just north of Sinwar's location was destroyed. By September 2, the house where Sinwar was found was surrounded by destruction, followed by immediate bulldozing. Satellite imagery from September 10 showed several roadways around the home destroyed and neighboring houses completely leveled.
