Israel releases video of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar preparing for clandestine stay ahead of October 7 attack – Firstpost

The Israeli military released footage on Saturday (October 19) showing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar preparing for an extended clandestine stay in Gaza, hours before the militant group launched its deadly assault on the 7 October

The images, widely shared on social media, offer a glimpse into Sinwar’s actions just before the attack that sparked the ongoing conflict.

Sinwar, who was Hamas’ top figure in the Gaza Strip, is accused of orchestrating last year’s unprecedented attack on October 7, which sparked the current war. He was killed earlier this week by Israeli forces, according to Israeli authorities.

The video, released by the Israeli military, shows Sinwar with his wife and children in what army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari described as a tunnel under his family’s home. The footage captures Sinwar bringing a television into the tunnel, which the Israeli military says was part of its preparation to remain hidden during the attack.

“Sinwar hours before the October 7 massacre: take the TV out of his tunnel, hide under his civilians and prepare to watch his terrorists kill, kidnap and rape,” Lt Col Nadav said Shoshani, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). , he said in a post on social media platform X, along with the video.

🎥DECLASSIFIED PHOTOGRAPHY:

Sinwar hours before the October 7 massacre: throwing his TV into his tunnel, hiding under his civilians and preparing to watch his terrorists kill, assault and rape. pic.twitter.com/wTAF9xAPLU

— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) October 19, 2024

Earlier, the Israeli military had shared drone footage purportedly showing Sinwar in his final moments, sitting on a chair and throwing a stick at the drone recording him. Although the intent behind the release of the footage is unclear, the video quickly gained traction online, particularly among pro-Palestinian groups.

Sinwar’s death has caused mixed reactions. In Khan Younis, his birthplace, mourners gathered at a bombed-out mosque to offer funeral prayers for him, despite Israeli forces preserving his body. For many Palestinians, his death on the battlefield, rather than hiding in tunnels as Israel had claimed, has transformed him into a martyr.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials have called Sinwar’s death a significant blow to Hamas’ leadership. However, despite hopes by the families of the hostages and some international observers that his killing could signal a step towards ending the war, there has been no significant progress to suggest an imminent resolution.