In a significant escalation of Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hamas, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released a striking piece of drone footage that reportedly captures the final moments of Yahya Sinwar, the top leader of Hamas in Gaza. The 62-year-old militant commander was eliminated by an Israeli airstrike on Thursday as part of Israel’s intensive military operation in the region.

The drone footage, which has since been circulated widely on social media, shows Sinwar sitting amidst the rubble of a dilapidated building, a stark reminder of the chaos surrounding him. In a symbolic last act, he is seen throwing an object at the drone before the footage abruptly cuts off. This release follows Israel’s earlier confirmation of his death, where they referred to Sinwar as the mastermind behind one of the most devastating attacks in Israeli history.

Raw footage of Yahya Sinwar’s last moments: pic.twitter.com/GJGDlu7bie

— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) October 17, 2024

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz, in a sombre statement, declared, “The mass murderer Yahya Sinwar, responsible for the massacre and atrocities of October 7, was eliminated… by IDF soldiers.” Sinwar is widely believed to have orchestrated the October 7 attack, which claimed over 1,200 lives and resulted in numerous kidnappings.

“The Beginning of the End”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking on the significance of Sinwar’s death, described it as an “important landmark in the decline of the evil rule of Hamas.” While emphasizing that the operation is far from over, he stated, “This is the beginning of the end.”

In a further address, IDF Spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed the strategic nature of Sinwar’s assassination, calling it a blow to the heart of Hamas leadership. Hagari stressed that the mission is not against the civilians of Gaza but specifically targets Hamas. “Our war is with Hamas, not with the people of Gaza,” he stated, reiterating that humanitarian aid, including food, water, and medicine, will continue to be delivered to Gazans suffering from the ongoing conflict.

IDF’s Determined Push

Despite the progress marked by Sinwar’s elimination, IDF officials reiterated their commitment to retrieving the 101 remaining hostages held by Hamas. Hagari affirmed, “We will continue to operate until we complete all our missions in defence of the people of Israel.”

The operation, which remains in full swing, is one of the most intense confrontations between Israel and Hamas in recent memory. Sinwar, as the mastermind of the unprecedented October 7 attack, which saw militants storming Israeli towns and villages, killing civilians and taking hostages, is considered one of the primary architects of Hamas’s war strategies.

This high-profile assassination signals that Israel is determined to dismantle Hamas’s command structure and Sinwar’s death is viewed as a significant blow to the organization.

A Controversial Figure

Yahya Sinwar rose to prominence as a key figure in Hamas’s military wing, particularly noted for his hardline stance and refusal to compromise in negotiations. He spent over two decades in Israeli prisons before being released in a prisoner exchange in 2011. His leadership of Hamas was characterized by increased militarization and coordination with Iran and Hezbollah.

While his death marks a turning point, the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, with both sides locked in a battle that has ravaged Gaza and led to an international outcry over the humanitarian situation in the region.