Chilling Footage Shows Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar Directing Operations Before His Death
New footage appears to show the terrorist leader Yahya Sinwar directing Hamas operations from the rubble of Gaza shortly before his death. Sinwar, who masterminded the October 7 attack, was eliminated by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in October 2024.
The footage, aired by Al-Jazeera, captures Sinwar at various points during the conflict. At one moment, he is seen manoeuvring through the rubble, draped in a heavy shawl to avoid recognition, and wearing a military vest while gesturing at the camera.
The Hebrew word "north" is visible graffitied on a wall in the building where he appeared to be hiding, suggesting that Israeli soldiers had recently operated in the area.
Another segment shows Sinwar seated on the floor, along with a commander, studying a map in what looks like a strategy session. They are seen tracing routes on the map, indicating military planning.
The military vest worn by Sinwar when he was killed was found among the debris, resting on the chair where he was shot by Israeli troops. This grim discovery was made by Ashraf Abu Taha, the owner of the Gaza home where Sinwar met his end.
In the aftermath of his death, haunting handwritten notes believed to be his last will have surfaced. These secret documents outline directives for Hamas captors regarding hostages. The instructions emphasise the importance of taking care of enemy prisoners, recognising them as "bargaining chips" in potential negotiations.
Sinwar's notes also detail the necessity of guarding these prisoners to facilitate the release of Palestinian captives held in Israeli facilities. Additionally, the documents provided locations of hostages still held in Gaza at the time of writing.
On 19 January, following a ceasefire agreement, hostages began to be returned to their families in Israel. Three women, including British-Israeli Emily Damari, were freed after nearly 500 days in captivity.
On the following Friday, Hamas announced the names of four more hostages set for release, including young female IDF soldiers after enduring 477 days in captivity. However, the fate of the Bibas brothers, aged two and five, remains unknown.
