Israel releases footage of Hamas leader Sinwar before October 7 attack

Israel unveiled footage depicting Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar relocating his belongings into a tunnel in Gaza just hours before the October 7 attack last year, an assault that marked the start of the ongoing conflict.

The footage surfaced shortly after Sinwar’s death in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza, following a confrontation that ended with him isolated in a demolished building.

Sinwar's footage

In the video, Sinwar, accompanied by his wife and children, can be seen moving possessions, including a television, water supplies, pillows, and mattresses, into the tunnel beneath his family home in Khan Younis.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the Israeli army, revealed images of the subterranean compound during a press briefing. This compound was reportedly equipped with toilets, showers, and a kitchen, while food, cash, and important documents were discovered there.

Also Read: LIVE | Yahya Sinwar killed: Israel releases video of Hamas leader's last moments

Hamas, however, countered these claims, insisting that Sinwar died "heroically" in combat, dismissing Hagari’s statements as “outright lies.”

Final moments

Earlier this week, drone footage captured Sinwar in his final moments, visibly injured and throwing an object at the drone. An autopsy revealed that Sinwar succumbed to a gunshot wound to the head and had also lost a finger.

Throughout the year-long Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli forces had repeatedly attempted to capture Sinwar, but he consistently evaded them. His eventual demise followed the discovery of a DNA sample on a tissue believed to be used by him.

While the October 7 attack in Israel claimed around 1,200 lives and resulted in the abduction of 235 hostages, Israel’s military operations in Gaza over the past year have led to the deaths of over 40,000 people.

Also Read: Hamas confirms 'fallen martyr' Yahya Sinwar killed in Gaza combat with Israeli forces

Questions on future leadership

Sinwar’s death raises questions about the future leadership of Hamas, particularly as Lebanon is drawn deeper into the conflict.

According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli strikes have claimed over 2,350 lives and displaced 1.2 million people in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah attacks have resulted in the deaths of 50 Israeli soldiers and civilians.