All news
Israeli army reports possible elimination of Hamas leader
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have killed three militants in the Gaza Strip, one of whom may be the leader of the Palestinian Hamas movement, Yahya Sinwar, the IDF Spokesperson's Office reported.
"The identity of the terrorists has not been revealed at this stage. "No traces of hostages were found in the building from which the terrorists were cleared," the statement said.
Sinwar, 61, took over Hamas's political bureau on August 6, having previously led the group's military wing. He replaced Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in an Israeli rocket attack in Tehran last July.
What is Hamas? History, goals and sponsors of the Israeli organization launched Operation Iron Sword in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, after Hamas militants attacked. They then fired about 2,000 rockets at the Jewish state, killing about 12,000 people and taking about 250 civilians hostage. Israeli authorities said the goal of the operation was to free all hostages and eliminate Hamas.