Yahya Sinwar: Israeli military 'checking possibility' it may have killed leader of Hamas

The Israeli military has said it is "checking the possibility" it has killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who has led Hamas within Gaza since 2017 after more than three decades in its ranks

The Israeli military is "checking the possibility" it has killed Hamas' top leader, Yahya Sinwar, in Gaza.

In a joint statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Israel Securities Authority (ISA) said: "During IDF operations in Gaza, three terrorists were eliminated. The IDF and ISA are checking the possibility that one of the terrorists was Yahya Sinwar. At this stage, the identity of the terrorists cannot be confirmed.

"In the building where the terrorists were eliminated, there were no signs of hostages in the area. The forces that are operating in the area are continuing to operate with required caution."

It comes as graphic photographs have made the rounds on social media, with people claiming they show the body of Sinwar. The Hamas leader was the mastermind behind the October 7 attacks that saw Hamas fighters infiltrating Israel's borders, killing over 1,000 people, taking hostages and sparking a devastating year-long battle against Hamas in Gaza.

The IDF and Shin Bet have said the incident took place on Wednesday night in the southern Gaza strip during a routine patrol by the IDF. Soldiers reportedly came across three armed men, exchanging fire with them before killing them.

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