Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar Unreachable; Israel Probes Possibility of His Death, Despite Lack of Concrete Evidence

 Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar Unreachable; Israel Probes Possibility of His Death, Despite Lack of Concrete EvidenceYahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, has been unreachable for an extended period, prompting Israeli authorities to explore the remote possibility that he may have been killed in recent strikes. However, Israeli media outlets, including Kan, Haaretz, and Maariv, emphasize that no solid evidence supports this speculation.

While some in Israel’s Military Intelligence Directorate have raised the theory that Sinwar may have been killed in IDF airstrikes targeting Gaza, the Shin Bet intelligence agency reportedly believes he is still alive. Officials caution that Sinwar, who has taken refuge in Gaza's tunnel network since Hamas's October 7 attacks, has gone silent for extended periods before, only to resurface in connection with ceasefire negotiations or other critical matters.

Although Israel has targeted areas where Sinwar was believed to be hiding, there are no clear signs he was hit. Some speculate he may simply be maintaining a low profile. Security sources have labeled the rumors of his death as unsubstantiated speculation, with military officials stating, "we have no information confirming or refuting the matter."

Since the October 7 massacre, attributed to Sinwar's planning, Israel has successfully targeted other senior Hamas figures, including military chief Muhammad Deif and Khan Younis Brigade leader Rafa’a Salameh, in recent strikes. Yet, Sinwar and his brother Muhammad remain elusive, pursued intensively but without confirmed success.