Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar enters underground tunnel before October 7 massacre
(Video: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
“This evening, we are sharing footage from the IDF and Shin Bet’s pursuit of Yahya Sinwar,” Hagari said. “We tracked his actions in the hours leading up to the massacre to understand his escape route. On the night before the massacre, Sinwar was focused on his own survival and that of his family. In the video, you can see him and his family slipping into an underground bunker beneath their home on October 6, just hours before the attack. For hours, Sinwar and his son are seen moving supplies—food, a flat-screen television, mattresses—keeping the operation secret to minimize exposure.”
3 View gallery
Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar seen slipping into underground bunker with family night before October 7 massacre
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
Sinwar, Hagari said, had constructed an underground fortress in Khan Younis, where he hid and directed the attack. “In February, IDF forces entered Khan Younis and located the path where he had been hiding. We found an underground complex with living quarters, showers, beds, safes and uniforms. Several times, our forces were just moments away from catching him.”
The operation marked the conclusion of a relentless pursuit of Sinwar, whom Hagari described as the architect of the brutal October 7 massacre. “Tonight’s revelations once again demonstrate that Hamas leaders, wherever they are, prioritize their own survival over the lives of Gaza’s residents. Sinwar was a wanted terrorist who hid while war raged around him.”
3 View gallery
Sinwar’s wife Samar Abu Zamar seen entering an underground tunnel along with him night before October 7 massacre
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
When asked if Sinwar’s death improved conditions for a potential hostage deal, Hagari said, “Our mission is to create the conditions for the hostages’ return. There’s no doubt that Sinwar’s elimination aids that goal.”
Regarding Israel’s objectives in Gaza and humanitarian aid distribution, Hagari added, “We operate under political directives, including facilitating the entry of 250 trucks into Gaza, and we will continue as instructed.”
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